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Omega-3, -6 and -9 Fatty Acids: Trends in the Worldwide Food and
Beverage Markets, 2nd Edition
January 1, 2009
Omega-enriched foods and beverages have entered an explosive growth phase in the
global retail market. Since 2003, thousands of foods and beverages enriched with
omega fatty acids have been introduced worldwide. Marketers really did not start touting
the omega content of enhanced foods until late 2004, after the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) moved to allow a number of nutrient content claims for these
powerhouse fatty acids. Nearly 1,300 new omega-3-enriched products were introduced
in Europe and North America in 2007. In 2008, the omega-enriched food sector is
operating under what is termed a “healthy halo,” defined by three primary parameters—
public awareness of omega fatty acids, proven scientific benefit and a willingness by the
consumer to purchase these products. The global market for foods and beverages
enhanced with omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, as defined in this report, has been
estimated by Packaged Facts at $4.6 billion the end of 2007.
A number of drivers are propelling this market in addition to an avid consumer base.
These include innovative formulations and technology advancements that are
expanding the products amenable to enhancement with omegas. Also, methods of
stabilizing omega-containing products to inhibit oxidation (which causes the fishy smell
associated with fish-oil-based omega-3) have resulted in improved taste as well as
extended shelf life. In the U.S., the FDA in 2007 implemented guidelines for Good
Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for nutraceuticals companies, resulting in greater
oversight of and confidence in the companies producing omega-enhanced products.
Omega Fatty Acids: Trends in the Worldwide Food and Beverage Markets, 2nd Edition
contains comprehensive data on the global market for foods and beverages enhanced
with omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. Historical retail sales data (2003-
2007) and forecast data (2008-2012) are provided for the global and selected
international markets (U.S., Europe, Asia/Australia). The report discusses key trends
affecting the marketplace, trends driving growth and consumer demographics. The
report profiles major marketers of omega-enhanced products and suppliers of omega
fatty acids as well as innovative companies in both of these sectors.
Read an excerpt from this report below.

2. Report Methodology
The information in this report was obtained from both primary and secondary research.
Primary research entailed in-depth, on-site examinations of supermarkets, drug stores,
mass merchandisers, convenience stores, health/natural foods stores, specialty stores,
and club stores. Company, distributor, and retailer interviews were conducted to obtain
information on new product and packaging trends, marketing programs, distribution
methods, and technological breakthroughs. Secondary research entailed data gathering
from relevant sources. Included were consumer and industry publications, newspapers,
government reports, financial reports, company literature, and corporate annual reports.
Overall market data is for the retail industry. No foodservice sales are included.
What Is Provided in this Report
Omega Fatty Acids: Trends in the Worldwide Food and Beverage Markets, 2nd Edition
offers market and trend analysis to allow succinct assessment of this booming sector.
The report balances insight into qualitative aspects of this market with comprehensive
quantitative analysis.
The report addresses all retail foods and beverages marketed as containing any or all of
the three omega fatty acids; however, most of the discussion, particularly market size,
focuses on foods and beverages especially formulated to contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods that inherently contain omega fatty acids such as canola oil, cranberry seeds,
flaxseed, mustard seeds, salmon, walnuts, etc., all of which contain omega-3, are not
the focus of this report. This report also includes a lengthy qualitative discussion of the
various omega ingredients available to food formulators, including profiles on the
following suppliers of these ingredients:
Arista Industries, Inc.
Croda Health Care
Denomega Nutritional Oils AS
DSM Nutritional Products
Epax AS
Frutarom USA Inc.
Hormel Specialty Products
Martek Biosciences
Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd.
Omega Protein Corp.
Pizzey’s Milling USA
Zymes LLC
Benefits of this Report
This report provides a valuable, timely and comprehensive exploration of the omega-
enhanced food and beverage market aimed at companies already participating in this

3. sector, companies that are considering entering this market or companies and
organizations interested in activities and trends in this sector. The current market is
assessed in detail, and markets and trends are projected through 2012.
This report will assist:
Marketing managers in identifying market opportunities and developing targeted
promotion plans for omega-enhanced food and beverage products
Research and development professionals in being up-to-date on competitor
initiatives
Advertising agencies working with clients in the banking and retail industries to
understand the product buyer as an aid in developing successful advertising
programs
Business development executives to understand the dynamics of the market and
identify possible partnerships
Information and research center librarians in providing market researchers, brand
and product managers and other colleagues with vital information necessary to
their projects and decision-making
Additional Information
Market Insights: A Selection From The Report
Market-Dominant Grain-Based Foods Loses Share to New Categories in U.S.
Market
Using sales data, new product roll-out information, and product availability, Packaged
Facts estimates that grain-based foods (bars, breads, cereals, etc.) held 74% of the
omega-3-enhanced food and beverage market at the end of 2007 (fish are excluded
from this tally). This compares to an 86% share in 2006. Beverages were in second
place with 12%, following by dairy—led by yogurt-based products—with 7%. Beverages
held less than 1% of the market in 2006. The categories of omega-3-enriched eggs and
oils/butters/margarines/cooking sprays/spreads were tied with about 3% of the market
each.
The number of milk, nondairy milk and yogurt beverage product introductions surged in
2007, from 76 SKUs in 2006 to 120 SKUs in 2007. Yogurt introductions also leapt, from
20 SKUs in 2006 to 68 SKUs in 2007. Snack bars, which have been a market mainstay
since 2003, increased from 57 SKUs introduced in 2006 to 72 introduced in 2007.
Packaged Facts projects that by 2012, percent share will shift with beverages, dairy and
oils/butters/margarines/cooking sprays/spreads continuing to gain market share.

4. Two Different Consumers Are Primarily Targeted
A majority of Americans have heard of most types of fats and fatty acids, with saturated
fats topping the list at 91% awareness. More than three-fourths have heard of fish oils,
polyunsaturated fats, trans fats, animal fats, and vegetable oils, while more than half
have heard of tropical oils, partially hydrogenated oils, hydrogenated oils, omega-3 fatty
acids, and monounsaturated fats. Other data of note:
Awareness of fish oils is significantly higher than that of omega-3 fatty acids.
Consumers making changes to consumption of fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids are
about four times as likely to make an effort to consume more, rather than less, of
these oils.
Omega-3 fatty acids remain the only type of fat more consumers rate healthy
than unhealthy.
Data shows that consumers who are well informed about omega-3 are
substantially more likely to purchase omega-3 supplements and omega-3-
enriched foods.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Executive Summary
Scope and Methodology
Report Methodology
Products and Ingredients
How Fatty Acids Vary in Their Impact on Health
Which Fats are Essential and Why
The Essential Fatty Acids
Products
Ingredients: Omega-3s Used to Enhance Foods and Beverages
Alpha Linolenic Acid
DHA and EPA
The Market
$4.6 Billion in Global Retail Sales in 2007 for Omega-3-Enhanced Food and
Beverage Products
Table 1-1: Global Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Food and Beverage
Products, 2003-2007 (in millions of dollars and percent change)
Global Retail Sales Are Projected to Approach $8.2 Billion by 2012
Table 1-2: Global Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Food and Beverage Products,
2003-2012 (in millions of dollars)
Number of DHA/EPA-Enhanced Foods Overtake ALA-Enhanced Foods in the
U.S. Market in 2008
Table 1-3: Projected U.S. Retail Sales of Omega-Enhanced Products, by ALA,
DHA, and EPA, 2007-2012 (in millions of dollars and percent change)

5. Market-Dominant Grain-Based Foods Loses Share to New Categories in U.S.
Market
The Retail Market
Where Consumers Are Buying Omega-Enhanced Foods
Table 1-4: Omega Foods and Beverages: Share of Dollar Sales by Outlet, 2007
(percent share of dollar sales)
The Consumer: Awareness of the Need for Omega-3 is Very High
Two Different Consumers Are Primarily Targeted
New Products, Trends and Opportunities
Beverages and Snack Bars Lead in Total Global SKU Introductions from 2003
and 2008
Table 1-5: Top-Five New SKUs Introduced Carrying an Omega Content
Reference, Excluding Fish, 2003-November 30, 2008 (percent)
More Categories of Food and Beverages Each Year That Contain Omegas
Research Into New Sources of Omegas
Global Regulatory Situation Relating to Omega-Enhanced Food and Beverages
Qualified Health Claim for Foods and Beverages Containing DHA and EPA
Chapter 2: Products and Ingredients
Key Points
Overview
A Primer on Fatty Acids
How Fatty Acids Vary in Their Impact on Health
Which Fats are Essential and Why
The Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids and Their Sources
Linolenic Acid (Omega-3)
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6)
Oleic Acid (Omega-9)
Studies Support Health Benefits of Omegas in Heart Health, Cognition and
ADHD
Benefits to Heart Health
Cognitive Benefits in Infants and the Elderly
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Benefit Children Suffering from Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
Omega-3 Benefits Psychiatric Conditions
Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency Very Common
Research on EFAs Suggests Many Benefits
Table 2-1: Health Benefits Reported from Balanced Consumption of Omega-3,
Omega-6 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids
Benefits of Fish Oil Outweigh Contamination Risks
From Supplements to Foods and Beverages
American Dietetic Association Advises Food Better than Supplements for Intake
of Omega-3
Fortifying Foods and Beverages with Omega Fatty Acids Advantageous over
Supplements
2008—the Ascension of the Omegas

6. The “Healthy Halo” Surrounds Omegas
Products
Products Excluded From This Report
Ingredients
Omega-3s Used to Enhance Foods and Beverages
Alpha Linolenic Acid
DHA and EPA
Table 2-2: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Nomenclature, Structure and Food Source
Omega-6s Used to Enhance Food and Beverages
Omega-9s Used to Enhance Food and Beverages
Formulations of Omega-3 Used in Foods and Beverages
The Use of Preservatives
Sources of Omega-3 Used as Ingredients in Enhanced Foods and Beverages
Fish Oil
Algal Oil
Plant Oils
Choosing the Best Oil
Fish versus Algae versus Flax
The Basics on Flaxseed
Walnuts A Good Source of ALA
New Seed Oil Sources of ALA
Do Marine and Plant Sources of Omega-3 Oils Vary in Functionality?
Fortification Capabilities and Formulation Strategies
Omega Fortification in Organic Foods and Beverages
Omega-3 Suppliers
Chapter 3: The Market
Key Points
Market Definition
Accelerating Roll-out of Omega-enriched Foods and Beverages
Steady Annual Increase in the Number of Global Omega-Enhanced Products
from 2003 to 2008
Table 3-1: Global Omega-Enhanced* Food and Beverage Product Introductions,
2003-2008E (percent change)
Table 3-2: Global Food and Beverage Product Introductions with High Omega-3
Claims*, 2003-2008E (percent change)
$4.6 Billion in Global Retail Sales in 2007 for Omega-3-Enhanced Food and
Beverage Products
Table 3-3: Global Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Food and Beverage
Products, 2003-2007 (in millions of dollars and percent change)
Table 3-4: Global Omega-Enhanced Food and Beverage Product Introductions,
Excluding Fish, by Geographic Region, 2003-2007
Global Retail Sales Are Projected to Approach $8.2 Billion by 2012
Table 3-5: Global Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Food and Beverage Products,
2003-2012 (in millions of dollars and percent)
Table 3-6: Projected Global Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Food and
Beverage Products, 2007-2012 (in millions of dollars and percent change)

7. Global Market for Omega-3-Enhanced Beverages Shows Steady Growth
U.S. Omega-3-Enhanced Product Introductions Increase 444% from 2003 to
2007 and Escalates in 2008
Table 3-7: U.S. Omega-3-Enhanced Food and Beverage Product Introductions*,
2003-2008E (percent change)
$2.7 Billion in U.S. Sales in 2007
Table 3-8: U.S. Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Food and Beverage
Products, 2003-2007 (in millions of dollars and percent change)
U.S. Retail Sales Are Projected to Approach $5.7 Billion by 2012
Table 3-9: U.S. Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Products, 2003-2012 (in millions of
dollars and percent)
Table 3-10: Projected U.S. Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Products, 2007-
2012 (in millions of dollars and percent change)
Figure 3-1: Projected U.S. Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Products, 2007-
2012 (in millions of dollars)
Table 3-11: Projected U.S. Retail Sales of Omega-Enhanced Products, by ALA,
DHA, and EPA, 2007-2012 (in millions of dollars and percent change)
Figure 3-2: Projected U.S. Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Products, Percent
Share of ALA vs. DHA/EPA, 2007-2012
European Omega-Enhanced Product Introductions Increase from 2003 to 2007
but Slow in 2008
Table 3-12: European Omega-Enhanced Food and Beverage Product
Introductions*, 2003-2008E (percent change)
European Market for Omega-Enhanced Foods and Beverages Approaches $1.4
Billion in 2007
Table 3-13: European Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Products, 2003-2007
(in millions of dollars and percent change)
Asian and Australian Market for Omega-3-Enhanced Foods and Beverages
Approach European Market in Sales
Table 3-14: Asian and Australian Retail Sales of Omega-3-Enhanced Food and
Beverage Products, 2003-2007 (in millions of dollars and percent change)
Few Blockbuster Products
Market-Dominant Grain-Based Foods Loses Share to New Categories in U.S.
Market
Figure 3-3: Omega-3-Enhanced Foods and Beverages: Share of Dollar Sales by
Product Category, Excluding Fish, 2007 (percent)
Global Sales of Essential Fatty Acids Ingredients
Table 3-15: Global Retail Sales of EFAs, 2003-2007 (in millions of dollars at the
manufacturers' level and percent change)
Table 3-16: U.S. Retail Sales of EFAs, 2003-2007 (in millions of dollars at the
manufacturers' level and percent change)
Sales of Supplements (Nutraceuticals)
Fish Oil/Omega-3 Supplements Posts Biggest Usage Gains
Chapter 4: Retail and Distribution
Key Points
Different Types of Retail Outlets

8. Shopping Options for Omega-Enhanced Foods and Beverages
Table 4-1: Stores Frequented for Food Shopping in Past 30 Days (percent)
Where Consumers Are Buying Omega-Enhanced Foods
Table 4-2: Omega Foods and Beverages: Share of Dollar Sales by Outlet,
2007(percent share)
Figure 4-1: Omega-3 Foods and Beverages: Share of Dollar Sales by Outlet,
2007 (percent)
Different Formats Attract Consumers for Their Varied Needs
Number of Stock-keeping Units by Retail Channel
Omegas in the Mail
Options for Retail Distribution
Direct Delivery Advantages
Advantages of Warehouse Delivery
Smaller Marketers Work Through Brokers
Introducing Functional Foods to the Marketplace
Chapter 5: The Consumer
Key Points
Consumer Awareness of the Need for Omega-3 is Very High
Table 5-1: Ingredients on Product Nutrition Panels Sought by Shoppers, 2005-
2008 (percent of Shoppers Who Consider Information About an Ingredient or
Specified Content “Very Important”)
Table 5-2: Ingredients on Package Claims Sought by Shoppers (percent of
Shoppers Who Look for Claim)
Not Only Boomers Interested in Improving Their Eating Habits
Reasons for Increasing Consumer Interest in Fortified Foods
Two Different Consumers Are Primarily Targeted
Table 5-3: Awareness and Consumption of Omega-3s for Certain Health
Benefits, 2005 (percent)
Consumers Aware About Fat Types and Forms
Consumers’ Perceptions of Fats and Fatty Acids
Figure 5-1: Consumers’ Perceptions of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oils, 2005
(percent)
Consumption Trends
Figure 5-2: Consumption Trends for Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oils, 2005
(percent)
What Consumers Want
Table 5-4: Nutrients and Substances Americans Want More of in Their Diets,
2006 (percent)
Chapter 6: New Products, Trends and Opportunities
Key Points
Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 Forms to Meet Opportunities
and Challenges of Omega-3 Market
GRAS Status Awarded to Two Conjugated Linoleic Acid Suppliers
Concerns about Continued Sourcing from Fish

9. Beverages and Snack Bars Lead in Total Global SKU Introductions from 2003
and 2008
Table 6-1: Top-Five New SKUs Introduced Carrying an Omega Content
Reference, Excluding Fish, 2003-November 30, 2008 (percent)
Figure 6-1: Top-Five New SKUs Introduced Carrying an Omega Content
Reference, Excluding Fish, 2003-November 30, 2008
Table 6-2: Total SKUs Introduced to the Global Marketplace with a High Omega-
3, High Omega-6 or High Omega Tag/Claim, 2003-November 30, 2008
More Categories of Food and Beverages Each Year That Contain Omegas
Development Trends
The Trend Toward DHA and EPA
Revamping the Snack Bar Market
Potential Untapped Consumers
New Achievements in Formulation Expand Product Horizon
Selected New Products Introduced in 2007 and 2008
Biomedical Laboratories Offers Cereal Bars to Help Kids Concentrate
Danone Introduces Cardivia Omega 3 Plus Yogurt in Canada
Hain Celestial Group Introduces Omega-3 Organic Pretz-Os and Baked Pita
Chips
Kemps and Ocean Nutrition Canada Introduces DHA/EPA-Enhanced Milk
Kirin’s DHA-Enhanced Power Water For Schoolchildren
Omega Farms Introduces Omega-3-Enhanced Chocolate Milk
Premier Foods Launches Omega-3-Enriched Baked Beans to the U.K. Market
J.M. Smucker Introduces Canola Oil with Omega-3 DHA
Sorrento Introduces Omega-3 String Cheese
Sun Gold Foods Introduces Omega-3 Sunflower Spread
Tropicana Introduces Orange Juice with Omega-3 EPA and DHA
Unilver Introduces DHA/EPA/ALA Enhanced Margarine and Omega3/Omega-6-
Enhanced Margarine in Austria
Selected Innovative New Omega Products Introduced in 2008
Table 6-3: Selected New Innovative Products with Omega Claims/Tags, January
1 to November 30, 2008
Discontinued Products and Formulations
New Algal Oil Competitor
Research Into New Sources of Omegas
Chia to Become the “Pet” Source of Omegas?
Omega-Enriched Beef and Chicken
Chapter 7: Regulatory Environment
Key Points
Global Regulatory Situation Relating to Omega-Enhanced Food and Beverages
The U.S. Regulatory Situation Relating to Omega-Enhanced Foods and
Beverages
The U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994
Labeling Overview
Labeling Nomenclature
Provide the Facts: Nutritional Information Requirements

10. Trans Fats Content Must Be Stated
Products that Are Exempt
Adding Beneficial Nutrients to Conventional Foods
Table 7-1: Permitted Nutrient Content Claims for Omega-3s in the United States
A Variety of Possible Claims
Types of Health Claims
Health Claims that Meet Significant Scientific Agreement
Qualified Health Claims
Qualified Health Claim for Foods and Beverages Containing DHA and EPA
Structure/Function Claims
Table 7-2: Structure/Function Claims on Selected Omega-Fortified Foods and
Beverages
Figure 7-1: Stonyfield YoBaby Plus Fruit & Cereal Yogurt with DHA
Figure 7-2: Uncle Sam Toasted Whole-Wheat Flakes & Flaxseed with Real
Mixed Berries
Table 7-3: Nutrient Content Claims on Selected Omega-Fortified Foods and
Beverages
Figure 7-3: Farmland Dairies Special Request 1% Plus with Omega-3 Milk
Figure 7-4: Promise Buttery Spread
Allergen Issues
Dietary Recommendations for Consuming Omega-3s
Efforts to Establish Recommended Daily Allowances for EPA/DHA
Standardizing the Percentage of DHA and EPA in Fish Oil
Chapter 8: The Suppliers
Key Points
Leading Suppliers of Omega-3
Table 8-1: Leading Suppliers of Omega-3, by Sales
Collaborating with Suppliers to Shorten Development Time and Improve Product
Selected Suppliers of ALA
Selected Suppliers of DHA/EPA
Leading Suppliers of Marine-sourced Omega-3 Fish Oils
Leading Suppliers of Algal-sourced Omega-3 Fish Oils
Leading Suppliers of Plant-sourced Omega-3 Oils
Omega-3 Ingredient Options
Competitive Profile: Arista Industries, Inc., Wilton, CT
Company Overview
Omega Oil Products
Competitive Profile: Croda Health Care, Yorkshire, U.K.
Company Overview
Financial Information
Technology Highlights
New Omega Products
Competitive Profile: Denomega Nutritional Oils AS, Fredrikstad, Norway
Company Overview
Denomega Offers Omega-360 Co-branding Arrangement with Marketers
Competitive Profile: DSM Nutritional Products, Heerlen, The Netherlands

11. Company Overview
New Omega-Enhanced Products
Company Back in Full Production Following Fire in 2006
Educating Educators and Curious Consumers
Competitive Profile: Epax AS, Alesund, Norway
Company Overview
Omega-3 Products
Competitive Profile: Frutarom USA Inc., North Bergen, New Jersey
Company Overview
Financial Information
Business Strategy
Omega Products
Competitive Profile: Hormel Specialty Products, Austin, MN
Company Overview
Omega Products
Competitive Profile: Martek Biosciences, Columbia, MD
Company Overview
Financial Information
Beyond Infant Formula
Selected for NIH Study
A Bump in the Road
Cutting Exclusivity Deals with Major Marketers
Competitive Profile: Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia,
Canada
Company Overview
Omega Products
Unique Double Shell Protection Debuts in 2006
Business Strategy
Competitive Profile: Omega Protein Corp., Houston, TX
Company Overview
Omega Products
Table 8-2: Application Chart for OmegaPure Menhaden-Derived Fish Oil
(percent)
Competitive Profile: Pizzey’s Milling USA, Gurnee, IL
Company Overview
Technology Highlights
Omega Products
Competitive Profile: Zymes LLC, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Company Overview
Technology Advancements
Chapter 9: The Marketers
Key Points
Marketers Big and Small
Product Development Timelines Increase
The Five Leading Marketers of Nonfish Omega Foods and Beverages in 2007
and 2008

12. Table 9-1: Global Omega-Enhanced Foods and Beverages: Five Leading
Marketers and Brands, 2008
Competitive Situation
IRI Data Is Not Available for Most Marketers
Competitive Profile: Barilla G. & R. Fratelli S.p.A., Parma, Italy
Company Overview
Competitive Profile: Clif Bar Inc., Berkeley, CA
Company Overview
Omega Products
Competitive Profile: Eggland’s Best, Inc., King of Prussia, PA
Company Overview
What Makes the Eggs so Special?
Competitive Profile: GFA Brands, Inc., Cresskill, NJ
Company Overview
Omega Products
Competitive Profile: General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Company Overview
Financial Information
Omega Products
Competitor Profile: The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Melville, NY
Company Overview
Omega Products
Competitive Profile: Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, MI
Company Overview
First Omega Product from Agreement with Martek Introduced
Competitive Profile: Omega Farms, Hayward, CA
Company Overview
Complete Product Line
Proprietary Marine Source of Omega-3s
Competitive Profile: Parmalat S.p.A., Parma, Italy
Company Overview
Business Strategy
Omega Products
Competitive Profile: Stonyfield Farm, Londonderry, NH
Company Overview
Omega Products
Business Strategy
Competitive Profile: Unilever, London, U.K.
Company Overview
Omega Products
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