Strategic Analysis of the Asia Pacific Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA Ingredients Markets

Frost & Sullivan
November 9, 2006
SKU: MC1378504
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This research service investigates the Asia Pacific Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA Ingredients market between 2002 and 2012. The study is segmented by the following ingredient sources: Marine oils, Algae oils, Flaxseed oil. The Omega-6 PUFA section of the study provides a brief market overview only and does not provide ingredient forecasts. Several applications of Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA ingredients were investigated in the study. The end-user segments include: nutritional supplements, functional foods and beverages, infant formula, and pet food.

Research Overview

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Strategic Analysis of the Asia Pacific Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA Ingredients Markets provides a complete analysis of key market drivers, trends and restraints impacting Asian participants. It also includes an analysis of revenues and volume estimates in the total omega-3 PUFA market. Omega-6 PUFA ingredients have been discussed on a qualitative basis. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: omega-3 PUFA marine oil, omega-3 PUFA algae oil, omega-3 PUFA flaxseed oil, omega-6 PUFA ingredients.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:
  • Animal feed additives
  • Omega-3 PUFA marine oils
  • Omega-3 PUFA algae oils
  • Omega-3 PUFA flaxseed oil
  • Omega-6 PUFA ingredients
Technologies

The following technology is covered in this research:
  • Microencapsulation: It is a technology in which an active ingredient or core material is surrounded with a matrix. The matrix protects the active ingredient from the surrounding environment, but still allows chemical reaction.
Market Overview

Increased Consumer Awareness Drives Consumption of Omega-3 PUFA Ingredients

Increased media coverage of omega-3, highlighting its numerous health benefits and supporting scientific evidence is increasing overall consumer awareness of the ingredient. The consumption of omega-3 is directly linked to numerous health-related issues. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that about 80.0 percent of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths take place in low and middle-income countries. Further, it is estimated that by the year 2010, CVD will be the leading cause of death in developing countries. As the consumption of unsaturated fats has been found to reduce overall cholesterol and heart diseases, the Asia Pacific omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ingredients markets are expected to witness significant growth.

"The case for omega-3 consumption is growing stronger in Asia," notes the analyst of this research service. "Mainstream media such as the television, radio, print and the Internet have been platforms on which the importance of including omega-3 in one's diet has been underlined repeatedly."

Variations in Legislation and Absence of RDI Guidelines Restrain Market Growth

Despite the potential of the market, unclear or inadequate legislation related to omega-3 in most major Asian markets, coupled with the lack of consumer understanding on the nature and action of ‘good fats’ continues to restrain market growth. Due to the wide variation in regulatory and legislative procedures in the Asian region, manufacturers and suppliers are faced with difficulties in promoting their products. "In Asia, both, Australia/New Zealand and Japan have established a recommended dietary intake (RDI) level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at levels of between 0.3 and 0.5 grams per day," explains the analyst. "Nutritional authorities in Australia have advised women to consume at least 430mg and recommended the consumption of at least 610mg of omega-3 fatty acids for men, to reduce the risk of chronic disease. With the exception of the above-mentioned countries, there is no legislation or RDI guideline for omega-3 PUFA consumption in other Asian countries."

Few people actually understand and appreciate the health benefits of these ingredients. Typically, countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Japan have higher awareness of omega-3, in comparison to other Asian countries. While consumer awareness is increasing in China and other Southeast Asian countries, low awareness levels continue to prevail in India, the Philippines and Thailand. In this scenario, educating consumers and opinion leaders on the importance of omega-3 will prove beneficial. Besides, omega-3 PUFA ingredient manufacturing companies will need to identify other growth avenues. Focusing on niche segments and entering into strategic tie-ups/alliances can be useful strategies to garner increased market share.


 

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