The global omega-3 supplement market is projected to reach nearly $13 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 9%, making it one of the fastest-growing nutraceutical categories¹. Global consumer preferences, such as optimizing health span, adopting high-potency formulations, and turning to plant-based alternatives, are all fueling the omega-3 market²,³. Finding the partner who can help position your formulations for success in today’s fast-growing marketplace can feel daunting. Here are six key considerations to keep in mind when evaluating a strategic omega-3 ingredient partner.
1. They act as a true strategic partner — delivering solutions and insights
Rather than simply supplying ingredients, the right omega-3 partner works alongside their customers to understand challenges, anticipate market trends, and co-create solutions that help products succeed. Leading partners such as GC Rieber VivoMega™ combine deep category expertise, application knowledge, and market insight to support customers in developing differentiated, high-performing products. Their role goes beyond delivering ingredients; they serve as a trusted partner that helps customers bring better solutions to their markets.
2. They source from both marine and algal oils
Given that fish and algal oils are chemically identical, brand manufacturers should look for a supplier that can provide omega-3s from both sources without compromising concentration or purity. Take, for example, GC Rieber VivoMega™. They are one of the few omega-3 supply partners that can meet the demand for both fish and algal oils, serving varying consumer needs, at their state-of-the-art facility in Norway, with over 36,000 metric tonnes of capacity.
3. Their quality standards exceed GOED and IFOS benchmarks
Third-party international testing standards set by GOED and IFOS are among the most stringent in the world for fish- and algal-based omega-3s in terms of quality, purity, and safety. Since 2015, brands such as VivoMega™ have ensured their oxidation values are 75–80% lower than those set by IFOS and GOED, making them among the highest-quality omega-3 concentrates.
4. Sustainability is built into their supply chain
With rising consumer demand for clean ingredients and tightening global regulations, sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have. Recognizing this market shift, leading omega-3 suppliers such as GC Rieber VivoMega™ provide fish- and algal oils that are non-GMO, vegan-certified, and made using 100% renewable energy. Their ingredients are also independently validated through SEDEX (ethical trade), MarinTrust (responsible fish sourcing), and Friend of the Sea (marine conservation) certifications.
5. They offer high-concentrate fish- and algal-oil options
With consumer preferences shifting toward “medical-grade” products, science-backed formulations are in high demand³. High-concentration omega-3s also help supplement brands deliver clinically studied doses without using large softgels. Ingredient partners such as VivoMega™ can provide concentrates as high as 90% in triglyceride forms for improved absorption and bioavailability.
6. They can help overcome taste, purity, and consumer compliance challenges
One of the leading reasons for non-compliance with fish and algal oil supplementation is poor sensory performance. Ingredient partners like GC Rieber VivoMega™ have implemented a trio of proprietary technologies (VivoTech®, VivoSure®, and VivoSens®) to help brands quantify, test, and ensure the sensory performance of omega-3 concentrates. With GC Rieber VivoMega™, supplement formulators will be able to taste the difference in comparison to other omega-3 suppliers.
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