French microalgae production company Fermentalg has announced the market launch of DHA350, an oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3 oils).

The product of extensive research by Fermentalg, DHA350 is an algal oil rich in Omega 3 whose health benefits, particularly for the brain and cardiovascular system, have been well documented for many years, the company says, noting that Omega 3 oil is increasingly used in health ingredients by agrifood manufacturers and producers of animal feed (for domestic pets and aquaculture), but also directly in the form of food supplement capsules as the public becomes more and more aware of the health benefits of a diet rich in essential fatty acids.

Traditionally, the primary source of Omega 3 oils has been oily fish such as anchovies, sardines and cod, Fermentalg notes. However, the company notes that due to the widespread depletion of marine resources caused by the overfishing of the oceans, microalgae are beginning to emerge as a sustainable alternative for the production of these fatty acids that are essential for human health. Against a backdro of global climate challenges that are putting added pressure on our oceans and increasingly strict fishing quotas, Fermentalg says that its launch of DHA350 comes at an ideal time to promote this more ecologically responsible alternative that will help safeguard the health and biodiversity of our oceans.

Today, according to Fermentalg, the Omega 3 market (EPA, DHA, etc.) is estimated to be worth $1.4 billion, all sources combined, with markets in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States, Latin America and Europe. The market for DHA derived from microalgae is estimated at around 2,500 tons per year, and the market has enjoyed positive growth over the last few years thanks to changing consumption patterns.

With the launch of its “made in France” DHA350, Fermentalg says that it aims to firmly establish itself as Europe’s leading manufacturer of algal oils. In January 2015, the company was awarded a Novel Food authorization, enabling it to sell DHA350 on the European market.

To accelerate its large-scale commercial roll-out, Fermentalg has already begun talks with partners who can support the company in this new chapter in its development, in particular by helping it to gain broader market access.

DHA350 is the first product sold by Fermentalg and is said to demonstrate the company’s ability to evolve from a biotechnological start-up to a manufacturing and commercial company, and its ambition to meet the quality and performance standards of a demanding market. This first product launch will be followed in 2018 by DHA550, an algal oil with a high concentration of DHA and a low concentration of saturated fatty acids. This latest accomplishment by Fermentalg’s research teams is currently in development. It will offer manufacturers in the agrifood and healthcare sectors new product formulation opportunities.

In addition, Fermentalg continues to invest in its technological platform to open up new opportunities in the rapidly expanding markets of natural pigments and specialty proteins. Fermentalg is working on a trial project to develop phycocyanin, a natural blue pigment that it says is much sought after by leading agrifood manufacturers, and Protéalg, a vegetarian protein derived from microalgae that is naturally rich in essential amino acids and includes powerful antioxidant molecules (phycocyanin and carotenoids).