Asia's omega 3 market on the rise
Increasing media coverage of omega-3's multiple health benefits in Asia will boost its consumption levels. However, an uncertain regulatory environment across some parts of the region will require omega-3 PUFA ingredient manufacturers to push for more favourable regulatory regimes in order to gain market expansion.
Increasing media coverage of omega-3's multiple health benefits in Asia will boost its consumption levels. However, an uncertain regulatory environment across some parts of the region will require omega-3 PUFA ingredient manufacturers to push for more favourable regulatory regimes in order to gain market expansion.
Market research group Frost & Sullivan estimates that the Asia Pacific's omega-3 PUFA market earned revenues of $279.6 m in 2005 and says this is likely to reach $596.6 m in 2012.
"Wider media coverage of omega-3's numerous health benefits, together with supporting scientific evidence, is increasing overall consumer awareness of the ingredient," said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Vignesh Raja.
However, unclear or inadequate legislation relating to omega-3 in most major Asian markets as well as the lack of consumer understanding of the nature and action of "good fats" is restraining market growth.
"Australia, New Zealand and Japan have established a recommended dietary intake (RDI) level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA at levels between 0.3 and 0.5 grams per day," said Raja. The nutritional authorities in Australia have advised women to consume at least 430mg and men to consume at least 610mg of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Consumer awareness of omega-3 products and their benefits is also higher in these three countries than in other Asian countries where, as yet, there is no legislation or RDI guideline for omega-3 PUFA consumption.
In a positive sign, consumer awareness is now increasing in China and other Southeast Asian countries but remains low in countries like India, the Philippines and Thailand.