Israel-based Algatech has opened its new US subsidiary Algatech Inc. to serve the North American market.

This expansion will boost sales of its leading AstaPure microalgae ingredient brand, as well as new microalgae sources that are currently in the pipeline.

The company has appointed Ken Seguine to lead US operations.

Ken Seguine served as vice-president of sales and marketing of UAS Laboratories from 2013 to this year, and was executive VP consumer products at Savesta Life Sciences.

He has more than 25 years experience in the natural products industry, with companies in both dietary supplements and personal care.

The new subsidiary’s cover the US, Canada and Mexican markets.

Algatech CEO Hagai Stadler said: "We are committed to expanding our global marketing network and strengthening our presence in the NAFTA markets.

"This includes highly qualified personnel recruitment, new product developments, and growing Algatechs operating facilities in the Arava desert, Israel."

Responsible for Algatechs business development in the NAFTA markets since 2010, Gary Brenner will lead the algal protein development project as part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology consortium (EIT Food).

Algatech was seleced by the EITs Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC) as sole algae producer, especially to develop new food sources from microalgae through its advanced technologies and capabilities.

The firm plans to invest in developing plant-based protein from microalgae by teaming up with global ingredient companies.