Rethinking Omega-3: A Sustainable Edge in Nutraceutical Innovation

Discussion with Alfonso Moreda

With over 25 years of experience across both manufacturing and distribution in the ingredients industry, Alfonso Moreda Cantero has long been immersed in the science and strategy of health-focused innovations. A chemist by training, with a strong background in international trade and pharmaceutical marketing, he currently leads specialized nutrition marketing and sales efforts at Fermentalg, where he's driving growth in the plant-based Omega-3 segment, especially algae-derived solutions. In this article Moreda unpacks how sustainable nutrition is evolving from a trend into a market imperative, and how microalgae-based Omega-3s are poised to redefine the future of consumer health, brand positioning, and global supply chains.

Market Shifts: From Niche to Norm in Plant-Based Omega-3

The Omega-3 category has reached a critical inflection point. Traditionally dominated by fish oil, the market is now undergoing a profound transition toward algae-based alternatives. This shift is no longer speculative; it is being driven by quantifiable demand, consumer advocacy, and structural limitations in fish-derived sourcing.

As consumers, brands, and regulators increasingly converge on sustainability, the appeal of algae-based Omega-3 solutions is growing exponentially. "There are not enough fish in the world to meet future Omega-3 demands. Plant-based Omega-3, in the case of microalgae, is the best example to be a reliable source of Omega-3 able to cover this gap that will come in future", Moreda explains. Microalgae, in particular, have emerged as the most scalable and sustainable option, offering a cleaner, renewable alternative that does not rely on marine ecosystems.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability was growing among companies and brands seeking to align with evolving consumer needs. But in recent years, the momentum has accelerated. “Consumers are looking for something different, something more sustainable not only for their own health but also for the well-being of the planet”, Moreda annotates. This has had a ripple effect across the supply chain, pushing manufacturers, suppliers, and marketers to respond.

Microalgae, with its non-animal origin, allergen free and scalable cultivation, is gaining traction across human nutrition, pet nutrition, and even aquaculture. As awareness grows about the depletion of oceanic resources and the challenges of overfishing, algae-based Omega-3 is emerging as a scalable, ethical, and efficient alternative.

Drivers of Change: Sustainability, Health, and Price Volatility

Fish oil production has been heavily impacted by environmental instability. Overfishing, climate-related migration of fish populations, and reduced ocean yields have led to significant price fluctuations. "Two years after the pandemic, a direct climate-related effect emerged, causing a rapid decline in fish captures", Moreda recalls. "As fish stocks declined, there were no fish oil supplements in the markets. What was once a $30 product suddenly cost $50 or even $60. Prices spiked, and consumers noticed. That was a turning point”. 

Beyond economics, there are pressing health and safety concerns. Heavy metals, microplastics, and other pollutants are increasingly found in marine ecosystems. These contaminants can accumulate in fish, raising questions about the purity of fish-based supplements. Algae, cultivated in controlled environments, offer a cleaner alternative—free from ocean-borne pollutants.

In parallel, consumer education and awareness have matured. In developed markets, buyers are not only better informed but also more values-driven. The demand now includes considerations like carbon footprint, allergen-free labels, and local sourcing. "Consumers are much more committed to finding ingredients that are sustainable", notes Moreda.

Biotechnology and the New Wave of Innovation

Innovation is not just a buzzword—it's a prerequisite. "If you don’t innovate, you are dead in the short or medium term", Moreda states plainly. The fish-based Omega-3 segment has reached a plateau in innovation, while the algae space is just getting started.

Biotechnological advancements are enabling more efficient strains of microalgae that can produce high yields of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), the most beneficial component of Omega-3. These strains are now approved for use in various applications, from infant formula to pharmaceuticals.

The plant-based nature of these products also appeals to a broader consumer base, including those with dietary restrictions. "Now allergenicity is a very important topic for many consumers who are intolerant to lactose, gluten, or allergic to fish", Moreda notes. At the intersection of ethical consumption and technological progress, algae-derived Omega-3 is emerging as both an inclusive and high-performance option.

Operationalizing Sustainability: Inside Fermentalg’s Model

Fermentalg’s production model exemplifies what it means to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage. Their proprietary strain of microalgae not only accumulates Omega-3 efficiently but does so using fewer resources. "Our strain is the most productive in terms of efficiency in the accumulation of Omega-3 during fermentation", Moreda explains.

The process is remarkably clean, utilizing only water rather than solvents, and is designed to consume minimal energy. The production site in Bulgaria is already powered by 25% solar energy and aims to achieve carbon neutrality within five years. "This is our contribution. High concentration naturally of DHA, clean process, and low energy use", Moreda summarizes.

Such environmental responsibility does not come at the cost of performance. The high DHA yield makes Fermentalg’s solution more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, proving that ecological sustainability and economic viability can go hand in hand.

Positioning Premium Yet Accessible Products

Cost has long been a barrier in the premium health supplement space, but Fermentalg is overcoming this through strategic scaling and operational efficiency. “The bigger your fermenter, the more competitive your product is”, explains Moreda. Fermentalg’s extensive production capacity in Europe (Huvepharma, Bulgaria) enables the company to reduce costs significantly while preserving the high quality and performance of its microalgae-based Omega-3.

Unlike fish oil, which is vulnerable to climate change and supply chain disruptions, algae-based fermentation offers stability and predictability. The key inputs—such as glucose and oxygen—are not only more sustainable but also benefit from stable pricing structures, helping shield the business from external volatility. “Through advanced precision fermentation, we can generate the same Omega-3 yield in ten days that fish would require half a year to produce”, Moreda notes. This rapid production cycle contributes to making their products more accessible and competitively priced.

By combining economies of scale, efficient resource use, and a strong commitment to clean energy, Fermentalg has positioned its algae-based Omega-3 solutions as both premium and accessible. With 25% of its current energy consumption powered by solar and a clear roadmap toward net-zero emissions, the company is not only reducing its environmental impact but also driving down long-term production costs. This integrated approach—spanning large-scale fermentation, stable raw material sourcing, and sustainable operations—allows Fermentalg to meet the expectations of a growing base of health-conscious, sustainability-driven consumers.

Scaling Globally with Strategic Precision

Scaling a biotechnology product in a heavily regulated industry is no small feat. Fermentalg has responded by adopting a market-by-market approach that considers regulatory, demographic, and cultural nuances. "We have made a whole mapping on the Omega-3 needs per country, per application, per segment, even per population age", says Moreda.

The company has focused on building operational excellence across the supply chain, logistics, and regulatory affairs. With approvals in Europe, the U.S., China, Japan, and several other countries, Fermentalg has laid the groundwork for global expansion. Their sales have tripled in the past year alone—a testament to the effectiveness of this long-term strategy.

"We are very analytical in the markets we choose to address", Moreda explains. This targeted approach ensures that the product not only enters new markets but thrives in them, meeting specific needs and complying with local regulations.

Partnerships That Amplify Purpose

Fermentalg understands that success in nutrition and sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation. Through B2B partnerships and scientific marketing, the company collaborates with players who share its mission. "If you have a partner that is growing with you, and you're growing with them, this is a win-win solution", Moreda notes.

They also work with healthcare professionals and nutritionists to increase awareness and trust. "We are very active in making scientific marketing for all the brands that are behind Omega-3 to get the key message to transfer to them", he explains. Upcoming initiatives include hosting influencers and thought leaders to further amplify their message to consumers.

Even in choosing partners, values come first. Fermentalg avoids partnerships with brands that lack a commitment to education and ethics. "We are not likely to work with partners that are only selling as a brand on a shelf without any communication and not awareness of this ethic and this mission", Moreda emphasizes.

A Smarter Path to Nutritional Innovation

For C-level leaders navigating the future of nutrition and sustainability, Moreda leaves with three key insights:

1. Plant-based is not a trend, it's a transition. The growth of algae-based Omega-3 is outpacing the overall category, making it a winning investment.
2. Consumer commitment to sustainability is deep and growing. Ethical sourcing, transparency, and low carbon footprints are no longer optional.
3. Global awareness and regulatory frameworks are aligning. This paves the way for more robust claims, more strategic innovation, and broader market penetration.l these take-home messages should be part of the innovation of any company that is committed to the planet's health and to population health”, Moreda concludes.

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