Peru cancels second anchovy fishing season
Peru has cancelled its second 2026 anchovy fishing season after scientific assessments by the Peruvian Marine Institute (IMARPE) found declining biomass, an unusually high proportion of juvenile fish, and warm-water conditions associated with El Niño.
IMARPE estimated a biomass of approximately 5.12 million tons—27.9% lower than that recorded in the summer of 2026 and 22.8% lower than the average winter-spring period since 1996.
In addition, juvenile specimens represent a significant proportion of the biomass—79% by number and 65% by weight—plus reproductive activity is lower than normal, although spawning episodes indicate that the anchovy is making an effort to reproduce.
“This decision is based on scientific evidence and our responsibility to protect the anchovy,” said Jesús Barrientos, vice minister of fisheries and aquaculture. “The high number of juveniles and current sea conditions require us to act prudently to preserve the resource’s capacity for renewal. We cannot make decisions thinking only about the short term; we must also safeguard fishing opportunities for the coming years,”
Why it matters: Peru is a critical source of fish oil, and reduced anchovy harvests will tighten supply and increase raw material costs. The news event underscores growing climate-related risks to marine ingredient supply chains and the need to accelerate alternative omega-3 sources such as algae oils and fermentation-derived lipids.
Fish oil becomes the fastest-growing dietary supplement import category in China
Demand for fish oil and omega-3s is increasing, with increased pressure on the supply chain coming from China. A new report from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines and Health Products found that fish oil was the fastest-growing dietary supplement import category in China during the first half of 2026.
Fish oil imports increased more than 60% year-over-year to approximately US$384 million. Growth was driven largely by imports from Peru, which increased nearly 183%, while fish oil also posted strong growth on Chinese e-commerce platforms.
“The most striking change came from Peru, where the value of imports surged from US$62m in the first half of 2025 to US$175m — a year-on-year increase of 182.80%,” the report wrote. “Its share of exports into China also jumped from 1.6% to 4.54%, propelling it into one of the top 10 dietary supplement exporters to China; this signals an accelerating expansion of procurement channels for raw materials, such as deep-sea fish oil, into Latin America.”
Why it matters: China remains one of the most attractive growth markets globally for omega-3 supplements with sustained consumer demand for cardiovascular, cognitive, and general wellness products based on fish oil. However, demand is accelerating just as one of the world’s most important fish-oil supply sources faces severe disruption.
EU reverses novel food decision on healthy aging ingredient SAMe
The European Commission took the unusual step of revising the novel food status of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) disulfate tosylate, recognizing the ingredient as non-novel for use in food supplements.
Produced naturally by the body from the amino acid methionine and ATP, SAMe plays a role in DNA regulation, cell membrane function and neurotransmitter metabolism and is marketed as supplement to support mood, joint health and liver function. SAMe disulfate tosylate is a stabilized form, commonly used to address SAMe’s chemical instability, making it better suited to tablet and capsule formulations.
Until recently, SAMe was classified as a novel food because under EU rules, ingredients that were not consumed to a significant degree in the EU before May 15, 1997 are generally classified as novel foods and require authorization before being placed on the market.
In September, however, EU Member States met to revisit the ingredient’s status, taking into account an earlier Italian assessment from 2016, prompting a reclassification of the ingredient as “not novel in food supplements.”
“This evaluation is really interesting because initially, the opinion was negative, and Lithuania proposed firstly to consider this ingredient as novel,” said Jerome Le Bloch, PhD, head of scientific affairs at food safety and quality solutions firm FoodChain ID.
“However, thanks to feedback from the industry and some authorities, mainly Italy, the decision has been changed, and SAMe remains usable in food supplements. This is not so common to have this kind of decision, with an EU Member State challenging the decision from another Member State.”
Why it matters: The news creates a potential precedent and pathway for other ingredients currently considered borderline novel foods to seek reclassification, and reinforces the importance of maintaining strong historical-use documentation for ingredients sold in Europe.
Nestlé launches Solgar Prime for the healthy longevity market
Nestlé has announced the expansion of its healthy longevity portfolio with Solgar Prime, formulated to help people maintain muscle strength, vitality, mobility and overall wellbeing as they age.
Initial products include a Vitality Creatine Complex focused on muscle strength, mobility and energy, and a Hair Growth Complex containing biotin and zinc.
“Healthy longevity is one of the most dynamic growth areas in consumer health,” said Serena Aboutboul, head of the nutrition & health strategic business unit at Nestlé, in a press release. “As people live longer and seek to live healthier lives, they are increasingly looking for ways to maintain their strength, vitality and mobility over time.
“Solgar Prime expands our portfolio of science-based nutritional solutions designed to address those evolving needs and reflects our continued focus on helping people live healthier lives for longer.”
Why it matters: With nearly half of the world’s population set to be over 40 by 2040, the news highlights that healthy longevity and proactive nutrition will be an important driver of future growth. It also supports rising interest in ingredients such as creatine, mitochondrial health compounds, NAD+-related ingredients, muscle-preservation solutions, and healthy-aging formulations.
