Current and future markets for Calanus finmarchicus.

Abstract

Due to present restrains on the fisheries industry, the market has opened up to various alternative sources of marine origins nutrients. Calanus finmarchicus, acquired in an innovative and sustainable process from a side-stream production of pelagic fishing, could be a valid option for fish sources replacement. The purpose of this study was to perform a thorough market analysis of the current and future market of Calanus finmarchicus. A market for valuable ingredients present in Calanus – with a priority on omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin market – was studied and competition on the market was analysed.Further, a consumer survey was conducted to measure the consumption and awareness of responders of omega-3 supplements, astaxanthin supplements and cosmetics products. A market analysis survey was performed on 197 responders of different demographics, with a high participation of responders from the Nordic countries (especially Iceland and Denmark).The results showed that the best known omega-3 fatty acids’ source among the responders was fish and fish oil, and Nordic responders had in general a higher awareness and interest in omega-3 fatty acids. Astaxanthin is a rather unknown compound for most responders, and an emphasis on spreading the awareness on the characteristics and potential activities of astaxanthin must be implemented. The study showed a general high interest of responders from all over the world in plankton products, and the environmentally friendly production of supplements and skincare products is of a high interest for the majority of responders. More research must yet be done for a better understanding of the Calanus market, and the awareness of the omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin consumption and health benefits must be further expanded.