KOASTAL

Purpose and goal:

The project´s primary objectives were to assess customer needs, validate costs, and evaluate the supplier and buyer network. We established good communication with the farmers, build a reliable supplier network and gained experience in the B2B seaweed market. Overall, the project converted predictions into tangible outcomes, facilitating improvement, planning, and risk management for KOASTAL´s future development.

Expected results and effects:

The main goal was to create a realistic business case for a seaweed farm using the franchise business model of KOASTAL. This involved turning predictions into actual results, improving and planning step by step, and minimizing risks for the project´s future development. By testing the franchise model in real conditions, we aimed to confirm if KOASTAL can become profitable and is ready to expand.

Approach and implementation:

The project´s main objective was to develop a realistic business case for a seaweed farm using KOASTAL´s franchise model. The pilot farm in Hunnebostrand cultivated 500m of sugar kelp using a long-line design. Local resources were utilized for farm setup. Göran Larsson operated the farm as a customer, while KOASTAL actively participated in operations. Harvesting setups were optimized to meet buyer demand, again resulting in a better understanding of the market.