Market Overview
The Global
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market size is expected to reach a value of
USD 2,582.8 million in 2024, and it is further anticipated to reach a market
value of USD 7,125.4 million by 2033 at a
CAGR of 11.9%.
Due to increased awareness about omega-3 fatty acid benefits derived from fish oils like EPA, this market is expected to experience steady expansion. Fisher oils serve as its source for this Omega 3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits that make its applications widespread across industries including pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional food manufacturing. Furthermore, its market can further be segmented based on the form which includes triglycerides and ethyl esters among others. Segmentation based on applications includes infant formula, supplements, and fortified food and beverages.
There is further segmentation of sources that include animal-based oils like sardine, cod liver, and krill oil, along with plant-based sources like algae oil. The growing demand for EPA by the aging population, mainly for dietary supplement adding, coupled with the growing vegan trend to source from plants, is driving the market increasingly.
Moreover, highly concentrated high-EPA is increasingly preferred due to the potency of its product action. With growing health awareness across geographies, the forecast period opens ample expansion opportunities. Some market players, such as Koninklijke DSM and BASF, are into investments in product innovations to stay competitive within the market. The market dynamics, therefore, include domination by the Asia Pacific region due to the high production of fish oil from China and Japan.
The US Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market
The US Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market is projected to be valued at USD 651.6 million in 2024. It is expected to witness subsequent growth in the upcoming period as it holds USD 1,690.2 million in 2033 at a CAGR of 11.2%.
The U.S. EPA market is powered by increasing health awareness and demand for dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, buyer inclination is now shifting toward products that contain EPA due to its capabilities of reducing cardiovascular risks and inflammation. Utilization of plant-based sources of the ingredient, such as algae oil, is one observable trend since there has been a rise in vegan and vegetarian options. Another trend that is currently in force is that the pharma segment is increasingly formulating EPA into heart disease and cognitive health indications, driving demand for
higher EPA concentrates.
Other trends, in the U.S. market context, are the preference for high-concentrate EPA products that allow consumers to meet their daily omega-3 needs with a minimum number of doses. Further improvements in encapsulation technologies enhance the stability and bioavailability of dietary supplement EPA.
Keeping all these factors in mind, market players are now focusing on expanding production capacities and forging strategic partnerships with healthcare providers to raise consumer awareness of the benefits of EPA. It is expected that the forecast period will continue to show growth momentum due to favorable healthcare policies that support preventive care, raising awareness about the benefits of health derived from EPA.
Key Takeaways
- Global Market Value: The global eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) market size is estimated to have a value of USD 2,582.8 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7,125.4 million by the end of 2033.
- The US Market Value: The US Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market is projected to be valued at USD 1,690.2 million in 2033 from a base value of USD 651.6 million in 2024 at a CAGR of 11.2%.
- Regional Analysis: Asia Pacific is expected to have the largest market share in the global eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) market with a share of about 37.2% in 2024.
- By Source Segment Analysis: Animal-based sources are projected to dominate this segment with over 63.1% of the market share in 2024.
- By Application Segment Analysis: Infant formula is anticipated to dominate the application segment in this market as it hold 24.1% of market share in 2024.
- Key Players: Some of the major key players in the global eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) market are BASF SE, Lonza, Glanbia Plc, Farbest Brands, SternVitamin GmbH & Co. KG, and many others.
- Global Growth Rate: The market is growing at a CAGR of 11.9 percent over the forecasted period.
Use Cases
- Dietary Supplements: EPA represents one of the main active ingredients in dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids to maintain cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, or support brain functions.
- Pharmaceuticals: EPA is used in a number of different prescription drugs aimed at treating conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia, reducing the risks of heart disease, and treating mental health.
- Functional Foods: EPA is added into an increasingly greater number and variety of food and beverages fortified for enhanced health benefits; some such examples include dairy products and smoothies that will help to improve joint health and immune function.
- Infant Formula: EPA, along with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been added to infant formula milk to promote early cognitive development and eye health.
Market Dynamic
Trends
Shift Toward Plant-Based EPAThe global eicosapentaenoic acid market is slowly shifting to become a more plant-based contribution to EPA. Increased veganism, sustainability, and ethics of consumption have been driving the contribution of plant-based EPA. Other than that, the conventional sources of EPA are fish oil, however, fish oil raises several concerns regarding overfishing, environmental degradation, and trace contaminants such as mercury. In exchange, algal oil has emerged as more sustainable and cleaner compared to others.
Algal oil-derived EPA is particularly appealing to consumers for ethical and ecological reasons, especially in North America and Europe, where people are moving toward plant-based diets. As the innovations in algae cultivation technologies continue to develop, the costs of production should fall and the plant-based EPA becomes increasingly competitive and accessible.
Rising Focus on High-Concentrate EPA Products
There is a growing consumer increasingly demand for high-concentrate EPA supplement products, these supplements have a higher effect when consumed in smaller amounts. High-concentrate EPA (more than 50% EPA content) is increasingly favored for its benefits in treating conditions like hypertriglyceridemia and inflammation, especially for cardiovascular health.
This class of supplements is especially relevant to aging populations or those with specific medical conditions. The development of high-concentration formulations is the focus, with targets often in pharmaceutical applications for high-value dietary supplements. This also falls in line with the general trend for personalized nutrition and specialty supplements with specific health benefits.
Growth Drivers
Increasing Awareness About Health Benefits of EPA
Perhaps the most prevailing factor enabling market growth is the general awareness being raised concerning the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that EPA helps reduce the risk of heart disease, enhance one's mental condition, and diminish inflammatory reactions in the body.
Increased promotion from health professionals, along with heavy media advertising touting the benefits of EPA supplements, will ensure greater demand for these products by consumers as populations in developed countries continue to age and further develop heart health awareness. This has resulted in several dietary supplements and fortified food products containing this biomolecule, to satiate the health-aware customer.
Aging Global Population
The aging population is a major demand generator factor contributing to the continuous demand in the market for EPA commodities, mainly in the developed regions of North America, Europe, and parts of Asia Pacific. Specifically, there is an increased vulnerability to chronic diseases associated with increased age, such as cardiovascular diseases, cognitive decline, and inflammatory conditions.
EPA is widely regarded for providing cardiovascular support, cognitive health, and joint mobility. As the concept of healthy aging and preventive health has gained momentum, the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, of which EPA is one, has also gained popularity in search of a magic formula that will help them stay healthy into their older years.
Growth Opportunities
Emerging Markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America
While North America and Europe have traditionally been strongholds for EPA products, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are poised for significant growth. However, the growing economic muscularity of emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America is likely to result in high growth rates for EPA products.
The countries of the Asia-Pacific region, such as China, India, and Japan, are observing rapid economic development, spacing, and increased disposable incomes. With an increase in awareness about healthcare and sedentary lifestyles, chronic diseases have become more common, hence increasing demand for EPA supplements.
Government initiatives to enhance public health and reduce cardiovascular disease rates increase demand for products containing EPA. Also, a growing Latin American middle-class population boosts the trend for health-conscious lifestyles that create queue market opportunities for expansion.
Advancements in EPA Extraction Technologies
Technological innovations in the extraction of EPA, particularly from plant-based sources like algae, are creating new growth opportunities for the market. Advanced methods for production, including supercritical fluid extraction, have considerably increased the yield of high-purity and potent EPA.
All these technological changes make a plant-based EPA production process more viable at a competitive cost, mainly needed for the growing demands for vegan and sustainable products. Moreover, new microencapsulation and delivery systems are being developed that enhance EPA's bioavailability, hence making the supplements more effective. Consequently, this growth is expected in other market segments, especially in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
Restraints
High Production Costs for Plant-Based EPA
The main issues besetting the EPA market concern, in particular, the high production costs in the plant-based area of the market. Algal oil, currently the most common source of plant-based EPA, has to be cultivated and extracted through specialist processes, which raises the cost of production compared with conventional fish oil extraction.
Cultivation of algae, extraction, and purification are very costly, making the products uncompetitive in price to EPA of fish origin. This product has an ecological appeal but its higher price probably will discourage broader market acceptance until such time as production costs can be drastically reduced.
Regulatory and Health Claims Challenges
The market for EPA is highly regulated, especially in regard to the health-related claims that an omega-3 manufacturer may claim. In most regions, a company has to provide sufficient scientific evidence in support of its claims about the cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits of EPA. This could be very time-consuming and, consequently, costly for the small players in the market.
Besides, there may be certain regulatory differences in various regions that can hamper the company's plans to sell its products across diversified markets. Furthermore, negotiating those regulatory mechanisms is often necessary to earn consumer confidence and cannot be compromised. However, this can delay the launching of new products and also reduce flexibility in marketing strategies.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Source
Animal sources, particularly fish oil, are projected to dominate the source segment in the EPA market as it holds 631% of the total market share in 2024. Animal sources, particularly fish oil, will continue to dominate the supply landscape based on their natural yield of eicosapentaenoic acid and well-developed supply chains for such feedstock.
Marine varieties in the form of sardines, anchovies, and krill are rich sources of EPA. As a result, fish oil naturally becomes a cost-effective solution for manufacturers, who extract high concentrations of EPA at lower costs than would be possible with alternative sources. Consistent supply and quality, coupled with reasonable prices, sustain this leading position of animal sources through the long-established infrastructure in catching, processing, and distribution of fish oils.
Thus, this is contributed by bioavailability. EPA from animal sources, mainly fish oil, is in a natural already that the body can easily absorb and utilize. This gives it an edge over plant-based sources such as algal oil which, though sustainable, tends to have lower bioavailability and is more costly to produce.
Another reason consumers trust fish oils is the clinically proven EPA-based supplements that have provided huge benefits to the health of consumers through improvements in cardiovascular, cognitive functionality, and anti-inflammatory properties.
General consumer interest in vegan and plant-based alternatives treads hot, especially among the eco-conscious groups, but higher prices and limited scalability of thereof hinder the current market share these products hold. In the case of high-potency formulations targeting specific health needs of certain groups, fish oil remains the undisputed king. It is likely that during the forecast period, EPA sourced from animals will continue to dominate due to consumer trust, being cost-effective, and building a strong reputation over the years for scientifically proven health benefits.
By Form
Triglycerides are projected to dominate the form segment in the EPA market mainly due to their superior bioavailability and the natural form in which omega-3 fatty acids occur naturally in fish oil. If EPA is taken in triglyceride form, it results in better absorption and utilization in the body because of a lack of significant metabolic processing.
This high bioavailability gives triglycerides clear priority over ethyl esters since in the human organism they have to be transformed into triglycerides to have any chance of being absorbed. Thus, EPA in the triglyceride form covers more active areas, especially concerning health benefits concerning heart health and inflammation reduction.
As a result of this trend toward natural and minimally processed supplements, consumers show a penchant for triglycerides. The triglyceride form appeals to the clean-label movement due to its close likeness in structure to natural EPA found in marine oils. Because of this, triglycerides will be especially appealing to health-conscious consumers who desire products that can maintain a structure as close to nature as possible.
The triglyceride forms are also favored in the pharmaceutical and premium dietary supplement markets, which require high-potency doses of EPA. This is because triglycerides ensure superior absorption and less adverse effects than their ethyl-ester counterparts. This segment, dominated by triglycerides, will most likely continue throughout the forecast period, buoyed along by the efficacy, consumer trust in the molecule, and the trend toward natural high-quality health products.
By Concentration
Medium EPA concentrates (20–50% EPA content) are projected to dominate the concentrations segment of the EPA market by the end of 2024. Medium EPA concentrates are expected to dominate the concentrations segment of the EPA market, as the optimal balance between effectiveness and affordability lies within this range.
These concentrations provide adequate levels of EPA for key health benefits such as cardiovascular protection and anti-inflammatory effects without the high costs associated with high-concentration products. This affordability makes medium concentrates accessible to a wider consumer base, extending their use in dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceutical applications. For the manufacturer, medium EPA concentrates are also very versatile.
They are suitable for general wellness products that might appeal to a wide audience from mere preventiveness to basic supplementation of omega-3s. This flexibility allows medium concentrates to be positioned in everything from mass-market supplements to more specialized health solutions.
Medium EPA concentrates also represent that sweet spot for those end-consumers seeking active levels of EPA but do not want to go as far as prescription-strength supplements.
The meaningful health benefits that come with medium concentrates make such products more viable and reasonably affordable, especially for price-sensitive end-consumers driving demand in key regions. Medium concentrates would show dominance in the EPA over the forecast period due to wide applicability, reasonable price, and good efficacy against a wide range of health concerns, especially in this market.
By Application
Infant formula is projected to dominate the application segment of the EPA market as it holds 24.2% of the total market share in 2024. The dominating segment in the application segment of the EPA market is infant formula, due to the important functions that EPA performs along with DHA in early childhood development, especially regarding brain and vision health.
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Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the neural system to develop right, along with cognitive functions, in infants; hence, it is highly dominated by parents and health professionals in their formulas. This has driven the trend for the fortification of infant formulas with EPA and DHA so that infants will be able to obtain those vital nutrients in the same manner during those very critical early years of growth and development.
More importantly, the infant formula segment leads in this area, where consumers are increasingly aware of the long-term benefits of early omega-3 supplementation. There is evidence that adequate intake of EPA and DHA in infancy supports cognitive performance, immune function, and eye health. As a result, parents increasingly seek out formulas with EPA, especially in premium product positioning based on higher nutrition quality and support for development.
Moreover, EPA-fortified infant formulas hold a high stride, particularly in regions like the Asia Pacific due to the increasing birth rate and growing awareness pertaining to infant health, as these factors support demand for such products. The trend for premiumization in infants' nutrition, all about qualitative ingredients for better health, is further driving the demand for EPA-enriched formulas. Infant formula is expected to retain the larger market share through the forecast period due to continued demand for omega-3-fortified nutrition and further global attention to early childhood health.
The Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following
By Source
- Animal Source
- Anchovy Oil
- Sardine Oil
- Tuna Oil
- Cod Liver Oil
- Salmon Oil
- Krill Oil
- Menhaden Oil
- Plant Source
- Algal Oil
- Other Marine Algae
By Form
- Triglycerides
- Ethyl Esters
- Phospholipids
By Concentration
- High EPA Concentrates (over 50% EPA content)
- Medium EPA Concentrates (20-50% EPA content)
- Low EPA Concentrates (under 20% EPA content)
By Application
- Infant Formula
- Dietary Supplements
- Functional/Fortified Foods & Beverages
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pet & Animal Feed
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Others
Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific is projected to dominate the global eicosapentaenoic acid market as it commands
over 37.2% of the total market share in 2024. The Asia-Pacific region leads the global eicosapentaenoic acid market, driven by the region's strong supply chain for fish oils considered the main sources of EPA. Major producing and consuming countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are reasons why this region leads this market.
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The fact that these countries possess a strong marine fishing industry provides for a continuous raw material supply of anchovy and sardine oil, among others, containing high content levels of EPA. Besides this fact, many Asia Pacific countries already consume a large amount of fish as part of their overall dietary culture, and this is also reflected in the growing demand for EPA supplements and fortified foods.
Apart from these advantages in supply chains, the growth of the healthcare industry within the region acts as a critical driver to market dominance. Increased awareness of health benefits associated with EPA, especially heart health, drives consumer demand for dietary supplements. Government initiatives taken by different countries in this region improve health and reduce the prevalence of heart-related diseases which further stimulate the growth of this market.
The rising population within the middle class is highly informed about health issues, especially in growing countries like India and China, and is willing to pay a premium for value-added dietary supplements and other fortified products. It will continue to dominate in the forecast period due to continuous investment in the production of EPA and the rising awareness among consumers.
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
Some of the other key players in the competitive landscape of the EPA market are Koninklijke DSM N.V., BASF SE, and Cargill Inc. which are focused on expanding their product portfolios through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and R&D investments to increase the efficacy of the products and cater to the growing demand from consumers.
For instance, the acquisition of Martek Biosciences by DSM empowered the company in the market to offer an extensive portfolio of EPA and DHA products. Similarly, BASF SE continued its investment in the manufacturing facilities for omega-3 fatty acids to meet the surging demand across the world. The players increasingly differentiate their products through launches like high-concentrate formulations of EPA and plant-based EPA supplements catering to vegan and vegetarian consumers.
Further, sophisticated encapsulation technologies are being utilized by the companies to enhance the bioavailability of EPA in dietary supplementation and pharmaceuticals. The competitive scenario will continue in a dynamic shape throughout the forecast period on account of innovations in product offerings as well as manufacturing technologies.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market are
- DSM
- BASF SE
- Lonza
- Glanbia Plc
- Farbest Brands
- SternVitamin GmbH & Co. KG
- Adisseo
- BTSA Biotechnologias Aplicadas S.L.
- Rabar Pty Ltd
- zrkla
- Epax
- BioProcess Algae LLC
- Croda International plc
- Other Key Players
Recent Developments
- September 2024: BASF SE launched a new line of high-concentrate EPA supplements targeting cardiovascular health. The launch comes as part of BASF’s strategy to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for high-potency omega-3 products.
- August 2024: Koninklijke DSM N.V. expanded its algal oil production capacity to cater to the increasing demand for plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, particularly among vegan and environmentally conscious consumers. This expansion aligns with DSM’s long-term strategy of addressing the growing market for sustainable omega-3 products.
- July 2024: Cargill, Inc. introduced a new EPA and DHA blend for fortified beverages, targeting the expanding functional food and beverage market. The blend is formulated to provide the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, and it is expected to be used in a range of products, including dairy drinks and smoothies.
- June 2024: Epax AS, a leading producer of marine-based omega-3 concentrates, received regulatory approval for its new pharmaceutical-grade EPA product. This approval allows Epax to expand its presence in the pharmaceutical market, where EPA is increasingly used to treat conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia and heart disease.
- May 2024: GC Rieber Oils entered a joint venture with Nordic Naturals to enhance their EPA supplement production. This partnership focuses on producing clean-label, sustainably sourced fish oils that cater to the rising consumer demand for natural omega-3 supplements.
Report Details
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2024) |
USD 2,582.8 Mn |
| Forecast Value (2033) |
USD 7,125.4 Mn |
| CAGR (2024-2033) |
11.9% |
| Historical Data |
2018 – 2023 |
| The US Market Size (2024) |
USD 651.6 Mn |
| Forecast Data |
2025 – 2033 |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Estimate Year |
2024 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Source (Animal Source, and Plant Source), By Form (Triglycerides, Ethyl Esters, and Phospholipids), By Concentration (High EPA Concentrates (over 50% EPA content), Medium EPA Concentrates (20-50% EPA content), Low EPA Concentrates (under 20% EPA content)), By Application (Infant Formula, Dietary Supplements, Functional/Fortified Foods & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Pet & Animal Feed, Cosmetics & Personal Care, and Others) |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA
|
| Prominent Players |
DSM, BASF SE, Lonza, Glanbia Plc, Farbest Brands, SternVitamin GmbH & Co. KG, Adisseo, BTSA Biotechnologias Aplicadas S.L., Rabar Pty Ltd, Orkla, Epax, BioProcess Algae LLC, Croda International plc, and Other Key Players |
| Purchase Options |
We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License (Limited to 1 user), Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users) and Corporate Use License (Unlimited User) along with free report customization equivalent to 0 analyst working days, 3 analysts working days and 5 analysts working days respectively. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Global Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market size is estimated to have a value of USD 2,582.8 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7,125.4 million by the end of 2033.
The US Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market is projected to be valued at USD 651.6 million in 2024. It is expected to witness subsequent growth in the upcoming period as it holds USD 1,690.2 million in 2033 at a CAGR of 11.2%.
Asia Pacific is expected to have the largest market share in the Global Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market with a share of about 37.2% in 2024.
Some of the major key players in the Global Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Market are BASF SE, Lonza, Glanbia Plc, Farbest Brands, SternVitamin GmbH & Co. KG, and many others.
The market is growing at a CAGR of 11.9 percent over the forecasted period.