EnWave Accelerates Growth in Europe

EnWave Corp’s (TSXV:ENW – $1.19 CAD & OTC:NWVCF – $0.87 USD) efforts to expand in Europe are starting to pay off significantly. Earlier this week, it signed a Technology Evaluation and License Option Agreement (TELOA) with a major dairy processor and a major meat processor, both located in Europe.

Although few details were announced, we understand that the dairy company leased a 10 kW Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) machine, which will be installed at its facilities in February 2017. Subsequently, the company only has six months to conduct the necessary R&D work. Apparently, the key focus will be on developing healthy dried dairy snacks.

During the six months’ test period the dairy processor has the exclusive option to license the use of REV technology for the production of dairy products within an agreed European territory. When this option is exercised, it may involve the purchase of larger commercial machinery.

It is worth noting that the dairy company already conducted product development trials at EnWave’s facility last September. Therefore, the results must have been satisfying, as the company is now expanding its efforts and budget to do more test work.

Milk plays an important role in Europe as it is produced in every single EU member state. According to information by the European Dairy Association, the dairy industry represents approximately 15% of the turnover for the total food and drink industry in Europe. An impressive number! No surprise that the top-5 European dairy companies are all giant businesses.

Company
Country
Dairy Turnover
($US billion)
Milk Intake
(Million ton)
Nestlé Switzerland 27.8 15
Lactalis France 19.5 15
Danone France 19.5 9
FrieslandCampina Netherlands 14.8 10.3
Arla Foods Denmark/Sweden 13.6 12.7
Top
5 European Dairy Companies. Source: Rabobank 2015 and IFCN 2014.

Also, the major meat processor obtained an exclusive option to license the use of REV technology for the production of meat snacks within an agreed European territory.

Similar to the dairy processor, this company did some initial test work at EnWave’s facilities a couple of months ago. It will now conduct more product development trials at the same facility in February 2017. After a thorough evaluation of the end products, signing a commercial license may be the next step.

New Momentum at NutraDried

In other news, several organizational changes were announced at NutraDried LLC, the producer of the highly successful Moon Cheese snacks, in which EnWave holds a 51% stake.

Spire Brands, which was hired last year as master distributor of Moon Cheese, was replaced by the non-exclusive distributor Slant Design. NutraDried has already worked extensively with Slant in the past, as it was responsible for the very successful introduction of Moon Cheese at Starbucks. Slant will again take over the existing distribution, which was originally established by the group.

In addition, Dr. Tim Durance, the President and CEO of EnWave, was appointed as the interim CEO of NutraDried.

EnWave’s stock price reacted negatively to the news, but basically it was a very positive event. Although NutraDried continues to be one of EnWave’s biggest success stories, it wasn’t growing as fast anymore as it used to. So, it was a good idea to remediate the situation.

In fact, we see several positive aspects to the reorganization.

  • The distribution agreement with Slant is non-exclusive, so NutraDried can engage other parties that might be beneficial;
  • We understand that in the past there was significant interest in private label deals for Moon Cheese, but they were never materialized. This will radically change as the new management won’t pass up attractive deals;
  • The new management is also open for toll processing opportunities. This would involve third parties bringing in their raw material to have it dried. NutraDried would simply charge a processing fee for this service; and
  • NutraDried’s margins and profitability will increase.

Conclusion

EnWave’s momentum with non-North American companies is clearly improving. The latest TELOAs are proof of the Company’s excellent efforts to expand its revolutionary technology worldwide.

Especially in Europe, the Company has been very successful lately. Dominant Slice Lda, a Portuguese snack company, recently launched its very own dried cheese product, coined Bit Cheese. At Kesito LLC in Greece a 10 kW commercial REV machine will soon be installed to produce a high-quality, shelf-stable dried cheese snack product.

Furthermore, we understand that Ereğli Agrosan, a Turkish company that produces high-value, natural products and derivative products for the food, cosmetic and health sectors, is progressing rapidly. Two 10 kW REV machines are already up and running at the company’s facility.

All these encouraging events will soon positively impact EnWave’s financials. We expect results for EnWave’s fiscal year 2016, which ended September 30, 2016, to be announced shortly. Buy recommendation.

For important disclosures, please read our disclaimer.Latest Company Report (pdf)

  • Good to see more positive news. What I also find interesting is that on slide 19 of the new corporate presentation, they list 8 “pipeline related” machines under construction in addition to 5 other commercial machines that are known to be under construction. Unfortunately, they couldn’t elaborate for confidentiality reasons when I inquired. I think it’s plain to see that this is also good news!

    • John Peters (editor)

      Hi Scott,

      I completely agree. That is very exciting news. Even better, with all the recent TELOAs, that number may soon even expand.

      Cheers,

      John

  • Has the company provided feedback on the outcome of evaluations performed by Ocean Spray or the California Grape Co. ?

    • John Peters (editor)

      Hi Buhlz_I,

      No additional news has been released about those two companies. We do know that intensified test work is ongoing at California Grape. And also the relationship with Ocean Spray Cranberries is alive and well.

      That is the major advantage of the more recent TELOAs, companies only have a few months to decide if they want to exercise their option to sign a commercial agreement.

      Cheers,

      John

  • This week the company announced two more TELOAs

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