Jul 21 2010 --- The flood of scientific evidence on omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) has significantly buoyed the credibility of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as vital functional ingredients. Heightened consumer awareness has had a telling effect on the healthy growth charts of the marine and algae oil omega-3 ingredients market.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of the European Marine and Algae Oil Omega-3 Ingredients Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $323.0 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $ 525.6 million in 2013.

Manufacturers who recognize the link between consumer awareness and product marketability are branding their ingredients on consumer food and beverage products. Meanwhile, the Global Organization of EPA & DHA Omega-3, an industry organization, has funded Purdue University in the U.S to establish the Omega-3 Learning Consortium for Health and Medicine to provide credible information about omega-3 fatty acids to consumers, health professionals and the media.

"Industry associations have been successfully formed to protect their interests and voice their opinions to government agencies charged with regulating food ingredients," says Frost & Sullivan Research Consultant Christopher Shanahan. "These associations play a critical role in addressing crucial legislative challenges facing the industry and in providing opportunities that benefit the overall growth of the market."

The projected 10 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2008 to 2013 in the marine and algae oil omega-3 ingredient market is likely to jumpstart key condition-specific health markets such as cognitive health, joint health and immune health. However, the omega-3 industry is facing an increasingly complex set of technological, environmental and regulatory changes.

"On February 12, 2010, the European Parliament approved nutrition claims for omega-3s allowing food products to claim they are either a 'source of omega-3 fatty acids' or that they contain 'high omega-3 fatty acids'," notes Shanahan. "This is a positive development because it will enhance both consumer awareness and usage across Europe, in countries where consumers already understand the value of omega-3s."

Despite these favourable conditions, participants have a lot of ground to cover with regard to awareness and acceptance. They have been greatly assisted in their endeavours by positive media coverage. They have also benefited from an ageing population that is more predisposed to chronic illness such as cardiac disorders, strokes, osteoporosis and cancers.

"A larger number of consumers consider food products an alternative means to prevent many diseases and adverse health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD)," observes Shanahan. "The demand for omega-3 ingredients is directly related to the escalating incidence of CVD in developed countries and it significantly hikes the unit consumption."

If you are interested in more information on this study, please e-mail Monika Kwiecinska, Corporate Communications, at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

Strategic Analysis of the European Marine and Algae Oil Omega-3 Ingredients Market is part of the Food & Beverage Ingredients Growth Partnership Services program, which also includes research in the following markets: Strategic Analysis of the North American Marine and Algae Oil Omega-3 Ingredients Market, Strategic Analysis of the Asia Pacific Marine and Algae Oil Omega-3 Ingredients Market, U.S. and Europe Nutricosmetics Ingredients Markets, Global Probiotic Markets, Global Stevia Markets and Global Bone & Joint Health Ingredients, among others. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.