Middle East And Africa Omega-3 Products Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Middle East And Africa Omega-3 Products Market Trends and Insights

Government-backed DHA enrichment programs in prenatal and infant formula

Government regulations requiring DHA fortification in prenatal and infant nutrition products establish consistent institutional purchasing volumes, which stabilize market demand independently of consumer spending patterns. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has incorporated omega-3 supplementation into its maternal healthcare protocols. At the same time, the Dubai Municipality in the United Arab Emirates enforces specific labeling requirements for DHA-enriched infant formulas^{[1]Source: Government of Dubai, "Food safety and farming innovation at Dubai Dates Festival," dm.gov.ae}. These regulatory requirements have established omega-3 as an essential nutritional component rather than a premium supplement, reducing price sensitivity and providing stable revenue streams for suppliers. The institutional purchasing channel enables bulk procurement agreements that enhance manufacturer profit margins while maintaining reliable supply to healthcare facilities. The implementation of these regulations has created a structured framework for quality control, standardization, and compliance monitoring across the healthcare system, further strengthening the market's foundation. Additionally, these mandates have encouraged research and development initiatives in DHA fortification technologies, leading to improved product formulations and delivery systems.

Regional algae-fermentation scale-ups enabling vegan supply

The establishment of algae fermentation facilities in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region reduces dependence on fish oil imports and strengthens supply chain resilience against El Niño-related anchovy shortages, which have historically affected global omega-3 availability. The regional facilities provide a more sustainable and reliable source of omega-3 fatty acids, reducing the impact of global supply chain disruptions. DSM-Firmenich's life's DHA B54-0100 algal oil production requires a 25-day cultivation cycle, compared to 24-month fish oil sourcing timelines. This production method enables regional manufacturers to maintain stable pricing and availability, which is essential for halal-certified and vegan products in Muslim-majority markets. The shorter production cycle also allows manufacturers to respond more quickly to market demands and maintain consistent product quality. Local fermentation capacity also helps companies comply with strict import registration requirements across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while supporting the region's food security initiatives and economic diversification goals.

Rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease has become a major global health challenge, creating demand for preventive nutritional solutions. Omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as important functional ingredients due to their cardiovascular health benefits, establishing a distinct market segment. This development is significant in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, where rising obesity and lifestyle-related health issues have increased the demand for nutrient-enriched foods and supplements targeting cardiovascular and metabolic health. World Bank and IMF projections indicate that adult obesity rates in Saudi Arabia will increase from 40.4% in 2021 to 42.9% by 2026^{[2]Source: CMA, "Nahdi Medical Company Prospectus," cma.gov}. This trend highlights the growing requirement for functional nutrition solutions in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, including omega-3-enriched products that support cardiovascular and metabolic health. The medical classification of pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 products enables their inclusion in national health insurance reimbursement programs, expanding their accessibility beyond high-income consumers. Additionally, healthcare provider recommendations drive sales through pharmacy networks, offering higher profit margins compared to traditional retail channels.

Premiumization of supplements via high-concentrate fish oils

The trend toward high-EPA/DHA concentrate formulations (more than 70% purity) enables manufacturers to set premium prices while reducing per-dose costs for consumers, benefiting both price-sensitive and quality-focused customers. The higher concentrations provide enhanced therapeutic benefits and improved absorption rates, making them increasingly attractive to health-conscious consumers. BASF's Maxomega DHA 95 EE AS contains 94% DHA concentration, enabling single-capsule dosing that improves patient compliance compared to multiple-capsule requirements^{[3]Source: BASF Pharma, "Maxomega DHA 95 EE AS," pharma.basf}. The higher concentration reduces packaging and shipping costs per effective dose, enhancing supply chain efficiency for regional distributors and allowing competitive pricing against lower-concentration products. This optimization of concentration levels also supports sustainable manufacturing practices and reduces the environmental impact of production and distribution processes.

High raw material costs due to fish oil price volatility

Supply disruptions in Peruvian anchovy fisheries due to El Niño and reduced Moroccan sardine catches have led to significant fish oil price volatility in the market. According to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s, Peru's cancelled fishing seasons and 30-60% decline in Moroccan catches have created substantial supply shortages, compelling suppliers to prioritize existing customers over new market development. These supply constraints have resulted in manufacturers either absorbing reduced profit margins or implementing price increases. The impact is particularly pronounced in emerging markets across Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria, where consumers have limited purchasing power to absorb higher prices, thus impeding market expansion and penetration in these price-sensitive regions. The ongoing supply chain challenges and price fluctuations continue to pose significant barriers to market growth in these developing economies.

Import-registration hurdles and inconsistent Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) labelling rules

The varying labeling requirements and registration processes across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries create significant market fragmentation and increase compliance costs for international suppliers seeking to establish a regional presence. The Dubai Municipality's supplement registration framework differs substantially from Saudi Arabia's SFDA requirements, requiring manufacturers to maintain separate product formulations, documentation, and compliance protocols for each jurisdiction. These regulatory differences particularly affect smaller suppliers who struggle to manage multiple approval processes and associated costs, leading to market concentration and potentially limiting competitive pricing and product innovation in the region. The complex regulatory landscape increases the time-to-market for new products and innovative formulations, while also creating additional operational challenges for companies attempting to serve multiple GCC markets simultaneously.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Functional Foods Drive Market Democratization

Dietary supplements hold a dominant 56.08% market share in 2024, supported by strong consumer acceptance and premium positioning in affluent urban markets. The segment's growth is reinforced by pharmacy distribution networks and healthcare provider recommendations that influence consumer purchasing decisions. Functional food and beverages are projected to grow at a 10.81% CAGR through 2030, as food companies utilize fortification technologies to reach price-sensitive consumers who consider supplements discretionary purchases.

Infant nutrition maintains a stable market position, backed by government DHA enrichment initiatives and mandatory formula fortification regulations. Pharmaceutical applications, while limited in volume, command premium pricing through prescription sales and insurance coverage. The "Others" segment includes new applications in cosmetics and pet nutrition, indicating market expansion beyond traditional health uses. According to World Bank guidelines, DHA fortification in dairy and processed foods requires microencapsulation or powder formulations to prevent taste and texture alterations.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Source: Plant-based Alternatives Challenge Marine Dominance

Marine sources hold 88.71% of the market share in 2024, as fish oil maintains its competitive pricing and established supply chains, despite price volatility in global markets and seasonal fluctuations. Krill oil represents a premium segment within marine sources, offering phospholipid-bound omega-3 with enhanced bioavailability and increased absorption rates compared to traditional fish oil products. Plant and algae sources are growing at 11.28% CAGR through 2030, supported by sustainability benefits, vegan compatibility, and reliable supply chains that attract environmentally conscious consumers and manufacturers seeking stable, long-term sourcing options.

The marine segment faces significant challenges from overfishing and climate-related supply disruptions, including changing ocean temperatures and marine ecosystem impacts. In contrast, algae fermentation provides controlled production environments that reduce contamination risks and seasonal variations, ensuring consistent year-round supply. DSM-Firmenich's algae-derived oils show double the potency of conventional fish oil, allowing reduced dosages and improved consumer adherence in daily supplementation routines. Plant-based sources with halal and kosher certifications expand market reach among religiously observant consumers across the region, particularly in countries with large Muslim and Jewish populations.

By Distribution Channel: Digital Commerce Transforms Access

Grocery retailers hold a 42.12% market share in 2024, capitalizing on existing consumer traffic and impulse purchase behaviors that increase supplement adoption among mainstream consumers. The channel benefits from cross-merchandising with functional foods and strong relationships with major consumer packaged goods companies. Online retail channels are growing at a 12.32% CAGR through 2030, supported by consumer convenience, competitive prices, and access to specialized products not commonly found in traditional retail stores.

Pharmacies and drug stores offer professional consultation services and credibility that support sales of premium therapeutic formulations. Other distribution channels include direct-to-consumer sales and institutional purchasing channels that eliminate traditional retail markups. The expansion of Gumazing across Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia through retail and e-commerce platforms illustrates the importance of a multi-channel strategy for market expansion.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

Saudi Arabia holds 22.52% market share in 2024, supported by the kingdom's USD 4 billion aquaculture investment program and comprehensive healthcare infrastructure that meets both institutional and consumer demand. The market benefits from Nahdi Medical Company's 1,151-store pharmacy network, which provides 97% population coverage and automated distribution systems for reliable product availability. Government nutritional programs and the "Made in Saudi" initiative establish procurement policies favoring local manufacturing and distribution partnerships. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority's (SFDA) regulatory framework offers defined approval pathways for omega-3 products while maintaining quality standards that enhance consumer trust.

The United Arab Emirates records the fastest regional growth at 10.18% CAGR through 2030, utilizing Dubai's status as a regional distribution center and the emirate's efficient supplement registration processes that attract global suppliers. Dubai Municipality's transparent labeling requirements and quick approval processes reduce entry barriers compared to other regional markets. The United Arab Emirates's high-income consumer base and health awareness support premium product segments, while free trade zones facilitate import/export operations serving broader regional markets. Cargill's collaboration with NEOM and ARASCO for aquaculture development indicates sustained supply chain investments supporting domestic omega-3 production.

Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa represent developing markets with growing middle-class populations and rising health consciousness, though regulatory structures remain less established than Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Egypt's extension of Halal dairy certification requirements to December 2025 creates opportunities for certified omega-3 suppliers while potentially limiting non-compliant imports. Africa includes smaller markets with basic infrastructure but opportunities for focused distribution through regional partnerships and e-commerce platforms.