Top 10 Companies in the Unsaturated Fatty Acid Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Health and Nutrition

In Business Insights
January 11, 2026


The Global Unsaturated Fatty Acid Market was valued at US$ 2978.4 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 4292.7 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with essential fatty acids, rising demand for functional foods and dietary supplements, and expanding applications in pharmaceutical and animal nutrition sectors.

As the health and wellness industry pivots toward scientifically-backed, preventative nutrition, unsaturated fatty acids like Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 have taken center stage. These vital nutrients are instrumental in supporting cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and inflammatory response. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Unsaturated Fatty Acid Industry—a diverse group of global chemical giants, specialized ingredient suppliers, and dedicated nutrition companies shaping the future of this essential market.

Download FREE Sample Report: Unsaturated Fatty Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. Royal DSM

Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands
Key Offering: life’s™OMEGA (Omega-3 EPA & DHA), Nutritional Lipids

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition, and bioscience. Its nutritional lipids division is a leader in sustainable, algae-based Omega-3 solutions, offering a robust alternative to traditional fish oil sources and catering to the vegan and vegetarian markets.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Pioneering algal Omega-3 production for sustainability

  • Strategic partnership with Evonik for joint venture Veramaris® (EPA & DHA for animal nutrition)

  • Focus on science-backed health benefits and clinical research


9️⃣ 2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins, Human Nutrition Ingredients

BASF’s Human Nutrition division provides a comprehensive portfolio of unsaturated fatty acids, including high-quality Omega-3s. The company leverages its vast chemical expertise and global supply chain to serve the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, and functional food industries.

  • Production of concentrated EPA and DHA formulations

  • Strong focus on product quality, safety, and traceability

  • Investment in R&D for new delivery formats and applications


8️⃣ 3. Croda International Plc

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Incromega™ (Omega-3), Pharmaceutical Lipid Systems, Personal Care Actives

Croda International is a specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on sustainable, high-performance ingredients. Its health care business supplies premium-grade Omega-3 fatty acids for pharmaceuticals and supplements, emphasizing purity and bioavailability.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Development of advanced lipid-based delivery systems for pharmaceuticals

  • Commitment to sustainability through its “Croda Planet Positive” initiative

  • Expansion of GMP-certified production facilities

Download FREE Sample Report: Unsaturated Fatty Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Lonza Group

Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Offering: Capsugel® encapsulation solutions, Nutritional Ingredients

Lonza is a leading provider of capsules and delivery systems for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. While not a primary producer of raw fatty acids, Lonza is crucial for delivering unsaturated fatty acids in stable, bioavailable formats, such as its proprietary bioavailability enhancement technologies.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Expertise in masking the taste and odor of Omega-3 oils in supplements

  • Development of targeted release capsules for improved efficacy

  • Strategic partnerships with ingredient suppliers for integrated solutions


6️⃣ 5. GC Rieber Oils

Headquarters: Bergen, Norway
Key Offering: VivoMega® (Omega-3 concentrates), Marine and Plant-based Oils

GC Rieber Oils is a Norwegian specialist in the production of high-concentration Omega-3 fish oils. The company is renowned for its vertically integrated supply chain, from sustainable fishing to refinement, ensuring superior quality and purity for its VivoMega® brand.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Focus on ultra-pure, high-potency Omega-3 triglyceride (TG) concentrates

  • Strong commitment to sustainable and traceable marine raw materials (Friend of the Sea certified)

  • Specialization in oils for pharmaceutical applications


5️⃣ 6. Epax AS

Headquarters: Ålesund, Norway
Key Offering: High-concentration Omega-3 EPA/DHA oils, Custom Formulations

Epax AS is a globally recognized pioneer in the Omega-3 industry, with over 175 years of experience in marine lipids. The company specializes in producing highly concentrated and purified Omega-3 fatty acid formulations for the dietary supplement and pharmaceutical markets.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Proprietary purification technology for removing environmental contaminants

  • Wide range of concentration ratios (EPA:DHA) tailored for specific health benefits

  • Focus on clinical research to substantiate health claims


4️⃣ 7. Aker BioMarine

Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
Key Offering: Superba™ Krill Oil (phospholipid-bound Omega-3s), QRILL™ Pet

Aker BioMarine is a biotech innovator and Antarctic krill-harvesting company. Its krill oil is a unique source of Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) bound to phospholipids, which are believed to offer superior bioavailability compared to traditional triglyceride-based fish oils.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Vertical integration from sustainable krill harvesting to end-product manufacturing

  • Pioneering research on the benefits of phospholipid-bound Omega-3s

  • Strong sustainability story with MSC certification and CCAMLR compliance

Download FREE Sample Report: Unsaturated Fatty Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


3️⃣ 8. Omega Protein Corporation (a part of Cooke Inc.)

Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Menhaden fish oil, Specialty fish meal, OmegaPure® brand

Omega Protein, now part of Cooke Aquaculture, is a leading provider of menhaden-based fish oils rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. The company supplies ingredients for animal feed (aquaculture, pet food) and human nutrition (dietary supplements), with a strong presence in the Americas.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Large-scale production from a sustainable and plentiful menhaden fishery

  • Significant capacity for refining and hydrogenation of marine oils

  • Focus on traceability and quality control throughout the supply chain


2️⃣ 9. Polaris

Headquarters: Port-de-Bouc, France
Key Offering: Omegavie® (marine and plant-based Omega-3), Lipidique extracts

Polaris is a French specialist in natural lipid ingredients, focusing on the extraction and concentration of high-quality Omega-3 fatty acids from both marine (fish) and plant-based (flaxseed, algae) sources. The company is known for its gentle extraction processes that preserve nutrient integrity.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Dual sourcing strategy (marine and plant) to cater to diverse market needs

  • Emphasis on ultra-pure, odorless, and tasteless Omega-3 oils for food fortification

  • Expertise in microencapsulation for stable powder forms


1️⃣ 10. Enzymotec Ltd. (a part of Frutarom Industries)

Headquarters: Migdal HaEmek, Israel
Key Offering: Sharp-PS® (Phosphatidylserine), Omega-3 based lipid blends, Infant Formula Lipids

Enzymotec, now integrated into International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) following the Frutarom acquisition, is a leader in lipid-based nutrition. The company develops sophisticated lipid blends and structured lipids, particularly for infant nutrition and cognitive health applications.

Key Innovations & Focus:

  • Pioneering work on structured lipids that mimic human milk fat

  • Proprietary platforms for producing phospholipids like Phosphatidylserine (PS)

  • Strong R&D focus on the synergy between different lipid components for enhanced efficacy

Get Full Report Here: Unsaturated Fatty Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Unsaturated Fatty Acids is Personalized and Sustainable

The unsaturated fatty acid market is evolving from a commodity ingredient space to a sophisticated, science-driven sector. While foundational Omega-3s from fish oil remain a volume leader, the industry is rapidly embracing alternative sources, advanced delivery systems, and targeted health applications.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Sustainable Sourcing: Rapid growth in algal, plant-based, and krill-derived Omega-3s to alleviate pressure on wild fish stocks.

  • Personalized Nutrition: Development of specific EPA/DHA ratios and formulations targeting distinct health outcomes (e.g., heart health vs. cognitive support).

  • Pharmaceutical Convergence: Increased use of high-purity Omega-3s in prescription drugs for treating hypertriglyceridemia and other conditions.

  • Food Fortification: Expanding applications beyond capsules into everyday foods and beverages, requiring advanced stabilization technologies.

Get Full Report Here: Unsaturated Fatty Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just supplying ingredients; they are enabling a healthier global population through scientific innovation and a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability.