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.

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 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

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