As Europe’s population ages and lifestyles shift, the demand for secure and sustainable nutrition is more important than ever.
Among the most critical needs are omega-3 fatty acids, essential for long-term health but often missing from modern diets.
Despite the importance of omega-3, many Europeans fall short on intake. Limited consumption of fatty fish, coupled with diets skewed toward omega-6s, creates an unhealthy imbalance. The problem is particularly acute with DHA, the form of omega-3 most concentrated in the brain and eyes. Because the body converts other omega-3s into DHA inefficiently, supplementation becomes essential. Yet the gap between what people need and what they consume persists, and it’s growing.
At the same time, European consumers are seeking nutrition that is not only effective but also clean and environmentally sustainable. This is where algae steps in. As a direct source of DHA, algae offers a 100% vegan solution that meets health needs while aligning with evolving values, helping to close the omega-3 gap and supporting a healthier, more sustainable future.
Understanding consumer and market demands
Meeting consumer and market needs for marine omega-3s requires a diversified, sustainable supply from responsibly managed sources like fish oil, algae, and krill. In Europe, growing health awareness and demand for clean-label products are driving a shift toward algae-based omega-3s, valued for their purity, natural triglyceride (nTG) form of DHA, and freedom from solvents or re-esterification processes.
With concerns over fish oil contamination and increasing emphasis on transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, consumers are prioritizing premium, environmentally responsible options, making algae-derived omega-3s a leading choice in the evolving market.
In addition to clean product requirements, Europe is undergoing a significant transformation in its dietary landscape, with a growing shift toward plant-based eating, especially among younger, urban populations. In fact, 46% of Europeans trust plant-based alternatives more than they did three years ago.¹
From Berlin and London to Stockholm and Warsaw, plant-based cuisine is moving from niche to mainstream, reflecting a broader cultural movement across the continent. For many consumers, veganism and vegetarianism aren’t just about avoiding meat, they’re about prioritizing quality, health, and mindful consumption.
Algae-based omega-3s offer a compelling, sustainable alternative to traditional sources. As a vegan product made from renewable biomass using a land-based process, algae helps conserve global resources and protects marine ecosystems. These qualities strongly align with the values of today’s European consumers, who are increasingly drawn to plant-based options and motivated by ethical, environmental, and food safety concerns.
The health benefits of DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid vital for brain function, eye health, and overall cellular wellness. Because the human body produces only minimal amounts, obtaining DHA through diet or supplementation is essential at every stage of life.
DHA is especially important during pregnancy and early childhood, supporting the development of a baby’s brain and vision. Throughout life, it aids cognitive function, memory, mental clarity, retinal health, and much more.
DHA is naturally abundant in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. However, many people fall short of recommended intakes, making supplementation a practical solution.
Plant-based omega-3s primarily supply ALA, which must be converted to EPA and DHA, the forms the body can use. This conversion is limited, so direct sources of DHA from marine-based omega-3s are generally the most effective for meeting the body’s needs.
Thousands of studies on EPA and DHA have demonstrated their broad health benefits.
- Brain health Enhances optimal brain function, memory, and cognition
- Eye health Supports the healthy structure and function of vision cells
- Maternal and infant health Essential for brain and eye development in fetuses and breastfed infants
- Overall wellness Promotes cellular health, supports vital processes, and helps maintain healthy fat levels in the blood
Omega-3 solution for consumers and brands in Europe and beyond
Aker BioMarine is bringing a timely, trusted solution to European consumers seeking clean, effective, and vegan omega-3 options. Revervia® is an algae-derived omega-3 ingredient with an exceptionally high DHA concentration (up to 60%) in its natural triglyceride form. Unlike many processed alternatives, Revervia requires no molecular manipulation, delivering a pure, scientifically validated solution for vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious consumers who demand both efficacy and sustainability.
Produced from microalgae through a gentle, solvent-free fermentation process, Revervia is a sustainable, clean-label choice. Backed by Aker BioMarine’s expertise and trusted distribution network, it offers brands a reliable, eco-friendly alternative to fish oil, supporting diversified supply needs while meeting growing consumer demand for high-quality omega-3s that fit perfectly into plant-based diets.
“By expanding beyond krill into algae, Aker BioMarine is addressing a critical need in the European market by providing a clean, pure, and natural omega-3 source that resonates with today’s health-conscious and plant-forward consumers,” says Mercè Piñol, SVP Sales Human Health Ingredients EMEA & LATAM at Aker BioMarine.
“The introduction of Revervia in Europe not only strengthens the company’s legacy in sustainable marine ingredients but also deepens partnerships with customers looking for a powerful opportunity to differentiate and capture new audiences through innovation.
“It reflects our mission to improve human health by helping to close the nutritional gap with a future-focused solution that meets the evolving demands of a changing consumer landscape.”
Future outlook: Next-gen algae ingredient
According to GOED, there is a growing interest in algae within the European market, with the 2024 European algae segment valued at $47.5 million US$.²
Once considered a niche solution, algae oil has quickly become a standout ingredient in the nutrition and health sector reshaping how omega-3s are sourced, consumed, and integrated into products worldwide. This surge is fueled by declining prices, expanding product availability, and evolving consumer priorities, positioning algae-derived oils at the forefront of both consumer demand and industry innovation.
Revervia is a next-generation algae ingredient that checks all the boxes to meet European consumers’ demand for health-forward, environmentally sound, and future-ready nutritional solutions. With growing distribution through pharmacies, supermarkets, and health food outlets, algae-based omega-3s are poised to become a mainstream choice across the continent.
“At Aker BioMarine, we see a bright future ahead with algae becoming a major player in the global movement toward natural and preventative health,” says Simon Seward, CEO, Human Health Ingredients, Aker BioMarine.
“Much like the clean-eating revolution has redefined the way people approach food, today’s consumers are demanding more from their supplements – products that are straightforward, transparent, and crafted with minimal processing. Algae embodies all of this, offering a clean, sustainable, and powerful foundation for modern nutrition.
“As we look forward, our purpose remains steadfast – to pioneer the next era of marine-based wellness and stand as the trusted partner to brands that value innovation, quality, and integrity.”
Today’s consumers want supplements that do more than fill a gap; they want solutions that fit their lifestyle and support their long-term health. And as the demand for algae continues to grow, so does the responsibility to protect and sustain the ecosystems that nurture it. Aker BioMarine is at the forefront of this innovation, driving solutions that enhance human nutrition while actively working to preserve the health of our oceans.
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