The market for Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) is growing rapidly. According to Mintel, a product research specialist, in 2006, nearly 250 new Omega 3 products were launched, compared to 120 in 2004. These products include Omega-3 fortified orange juice by Tropicana, eggs, butter, milk and cheese as well as cereal by Kashi. Popular pet foods including Procter & Gamble's Eukanuba and Iams also added Omega 3 to their pet formulas.

The benefits of EFA's have also entered the consciousness of consumers. With 2007 being proclaimed "The Year of the Omega's," by the Chicago Sun Times and USA Today along with over 8,000 published papers worldwide on EFA (Omega 3) health benefits, consumers are now, more than ever before, aware of the multitude of health benefits associated with Omega 3's. In fact, 100% of participants in a 2004 Prepared Foods survey indicated interest in educating their families about the health benefits of Omega 3's. Furthermore, 100% of those surveyed would be inclined to purchase products enriched with Omega 3, if there was no impact on taste or price of the product.

Even though there is a significant body of evidence, along with an FDA qualifed health claim, inferring that DHA and EPA are more beneficial than ALA, Market Research reports that ALA continues to show up in more and more food products, primarily grain-based products. The source of ALA is typically some form of flaxseed.

Besides having one of the highest growth potentials of all nutraceuticals ingredients competing for a share of the functional food market, Omega 3 products also benefit from the favorable press coverage and regulatory landscape in the US for health claims. As Omega 3 market continues to grow, manufacturers need to consider adding flaxseed and/or fish oil to their products to maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Growth Potential of Essential Fatty Acids:

(Source: Omega-3 Foods and the U.S. Food and Beverage Market Report, March 2007, Packaged Facts)

The market for Omega 3's will grow to $2 billion by the end of 2006 and reach $7 billion by 2011.

ALA-enhanced foods currently dominate the market with an estimated 70% share, but by 2011, DHA/EPA-enhanced foods will control 71.4% share of the Omega 3-enhanced food products.

According to a 2005 Data Monitor Report, the global marine oil market is set to grow at a rate of 13% annually to be worth $993 million in 2010.