Omega-3 Shortages Loom as Climate and Demand Pressure Market

The global omega-3 market is facing significant challenges due to climate variability, declining fish harvests, and rising demand. According to Matt Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine, these factors have created a fundamentally different supply environment that could lead to shortages in 2027 if El Niño conditions persist.

The Peruvian anchovy fishery, which supplies about 50% of the fish oil used in dietary supplements, food, and pharma applications, has been significantly impacted. Reduced catches, lower oil yields, and quality limitations have sharply decreased the amount of human-grade fish oil entering the market.

Johansen emphasizes that supplement companies should review their omega-3 sourcing strategies and diversify into complementary alternatives like krill oil and algae-derived omega-3s to reduce dependence on a single raw material. He warns that unless companies broaden their sourcing strategies, global demand for omega-3s could surpass available supply within the next 12 months.