Exeter alumni and Cornish Seaweed Company founders, Tim van Berkel and Caroline Warwick-Evans.

Sustainability award for alumni business

A company set-up by two University of Exeter alumni was presented with the award for 'Best Contribution Towards Creating a Sustainable Food Economy’ at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards this month.

The Cornish Seaweed Company was set up in 2012 by Exeter graduates, Tim van Berkel (MSc Conservation & Biodiversity, 2009) and Caroline Warwick-Evans (BSc Renewable Energy, 2010).

It provides sustainably harvested, local, edible seaweed to stores all over the Country.

Caroline said: “We set up The Cornish Seaweed Company as a result of our love for Cornwall, great and healthy food, the environment and a big wish to be outdoors and in the ocean whenever we can. Seaweed is really one of the few things that combine all these ingredients.”

Tim added: “Winning the award has been a very valuable acknowledgment for us. It shows that people believe in the important work we do and it reaffirms that seaweed will play an important role in sustainable food production.”

The Cornwall Sustainability Awards were launched by Jonathon Porritt in 2002 and aim to encourage and reward businesses that are significantly improving their own sustainability, and that of the local area.

The Cornish Seaweed Company was recognised for its commitment to sustainable production and conservation.

The company was also named Cornish Business of the Year at the 2015 Hub Awards.

Date: 12 December 2016