Global Omega-3 sales set to top $34bn

Worldwide sales of EPA/DHA Omega-3 products will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% and hit $34.7 billion by 2016, according to research firm Packaged Facts.

Asia-Pacific is expected to gain ground on the US, which is the world’s largest market for EPA/DHA fortified products, accounting for 43% of sales.

Expanding public awareness of EPA/DHA omega-3 health benefits through media coverage of research findings, as well as developments in the regulatory environment, will spur continued growth in the global market, say Packaged Facts.

A growing global middle class, the rise in the popularity of products such as krill oil, stronger R&D and the introduction of pharmaceutical-grade products into South America are also highlighted by the report as growth drivers.