The global omega-3 industry is experiencing a new level of uncertainty. Climate-driven disruptions, increasing competition for marine resources, and rapidly growing demand for EPA and DHA are placing unprecedented pressure on traditional fish oil supplies. These challenges have the potential to create stress for the Indian nutraceutical market, which relies heavily on imported pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 ingredients; however, krill and algae oil are emerging as key solutions in today’s market.
The Omega-3 Supply Shift
The omega-3 market is undergoing a structural shift as fish oil supply constraints and rising global demand challenge the industry’s heavy dependence on Peru’s anchovy fishery, which provides approximately 50 per cent of the world’s fish oil used in dietary supplements, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Climate instability, declining fish stocks, and aquaculture competition are tightening supply and accelerating the need for diversified omega-3 sources. Human-grade 18:12 crude fish oil availability has declined from approximately 85,000 metric tons to 10,000 metric tons, a 90% reduction in commercially usable supply for supplement and pharmaceutical applications (Source: IFFO).
These pressures can heavily impact ingredient costs, innovation, margins, and long-term supply security. According to Aker BioMarine, continued El Niño conditions could drive global demand beyond available supply by 2027, increasing shortage risks.
Meanwhile, demand for EPA and DHA continues to grow, especially in Asia-Pacific where an aging population is on the rise with demand for cardiovascular, cognitive, joint, and eye health products.
Omega-3 Diversification Solutions
For India’s nutraceutical market, embracing sustainable omega-3 alternatives offers a pathway to greater supply security while meeting the growing consumer demand for science-backed, high-quality health solutions. Brands that succeed in the next decade will need to move beyond reacting to supply disruptions and proactively build sourcing resilience. This means prioritizing ingredients with reduced exposure to climate-related risks, such as El Niño-driven supply challenges.
Aker BioMarine’s helps brands meet this need.
Superba Krill, Aker BioMarine’s flagship ingredient, is a science-backed, multi-nutrient solution designed for India’s growing demand for premium healthy aging and everyday wellness products. Delivering phospholipid-bound omega-3s (EPA/DHA), choline, and astaxanthin in one format, it is supported by 60+ clinical trials and 135+ studies across cardiovascular, cognitive, eye, liver, and joint health. Beyond its nutritional profile, krill oil benefits from strong sustainability credentials and an independent sourcing model, offering manufacturers and consumers an attractive alternative amid ongoing fish oil supply chain disruptions.
Revervia is a sustainable source of DHA omega-3 derived from microalgae, offering one of the highest natural DHA concentrations available. Essential for brain and eye health, Revervia provides a clean, vegan-friendly alternative to fish oil, particularly well-suited to meet Indian consumer’s strong interest in vegetarian and vegan options. Produced through low-impact fermentation, Revervia is GMO-free, allergen-free, solvent-free, and provides a reliable, sustainable DHA supply independent of fisheries, seasonal variability, and wild-catch limitations.
Interested in Learning More?
Join industry experts on Thursday, July 30th at 7:30 PM IST (or register to watch on demand at a time that suits you) for Omega-3 Diversification: Future-Proofing Your Supply, a webinar exploring the latest developments shaping the global omega-3 market from building a more resilient, sustainable, and diversified omega-3 supply chain to preparing your business for the market ahead. Also, visit Aker BioMarine at Vitafoods Asia 2026 (booth H5-E49) or join our seminar, “From Risk to Resilience: Rethinking Your Omega-3 Sourcing Strategy,” onsite 2 September 2026 from 12:00–12:30 at the Nutra Focus Stage.
