Industry & Business

Frutarom Switzerland Ltd., Health BU Switzerland, announces its entry into the omega-3 market with high quality and deodorized DHA and EPA marine-sourced omega-3 ingredients designed for a variety of food & beverage applications and dietary supplements.

EPA and DHA omega-3 are vital nutrients that help every cell in the body to function optimally. However, the major problem most consumers face is that they are not getting enough EPA and DHA in their diets, due to the lack of intake of foods rich in omega-3. A major study in the US showed that low dietary omega-3 fatty acids contributed significantly to the risk of death from a range of health conditions such as heart attack or stroke.

Numerous studies confirm the beneficial effects of omega3 for multiple health indications such cardiovascular health, brain development and cognitive performance, eye health, inflammation and general well-being.  While this nutrients are vital across a range of consumers, there are key categories such as infant development, and healthy aging where a supplements containing omega-3 merit second consideration.

“As the leading provider of specialty fine ingredients, flavors and savory solutions, Frutarom has excellent access into the food and beverage industries, enabling it to help food manufacturers fortify food with omega-3,” explains Holger Riemensperger, General Manager of Frutarom Health. “Thanks to Frutarom’s expertise, we can easily implement the new line into any food matrix, such as dairy, bakery, baby food, cereals, oils, confectionary, beverages etc. It is both deodorized and without any negative impact on the taste.”

The number of new food and drinks products marketed as containing omega 3 fatty acids has risen significantly in recent years, according to Innova Market Insights’ research, nearly trebling over the 2007 to 2013 period. The share of these types of products rose from 1.5% of total food and drinks launches tracked globally in 2011 to 1.6% in 2012, with a further rise to 1.9% evident for 2013. Baby foods was the leading category for omega 3 claims in 2013, accounting for 17.8% of tracked products.

“This step combines Frutarom’s two great strengths of strong market access and deep experience in science-based health ingredients, and follows the company’s strategic move last year into the functional food market,” notes Riemensperger. “Omega-3 perfectly fits the Health Business Unit strategy of focusing on scientifically proven, high quality health ingredients.”

The new omega-3 line is produced using the latest technology and controlled sourcing of high-end raw materials. The new line also includes omega-3 high concentrates for use in dietary supplements, allowing a higher concentration of DHA and EPA content, and thus a smaller size of soft gels, making it easier to take.