Global Cod Liver Oil Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

The global cod liver oil market was valued at USD YY million in 2022. It is forecasted to reach USD YY million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.56% during the forecast period (2023-2030).

Cod liver oil is a fish oil supplement extracted from the liver of cod fish. A mild flavor and a pale, straw-colored appearance characterize cod liver oil for human consumption. It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It also contains vitamins A and D in higher concentrations as compared to other fish oils.

Extensive research and development activities for producing innovative products and the wide availability of fish liver oil are expected to support the industry's growth. Furthermore, individuals' rapid urbanization and rising discretionary incomes, especially in emerging economies, are anticipated to aid market growth in the forthcoming years.

Market Dynamics: Growing health awareness among consumers increasing trend of supplement consumption

The population's intake of food supplements has increased significantly. Due to urbanization and hectic lifestyles, consumers' growing health consciousness is propelling the cod liver oil sector ahead. As cod liver oil has a wide nutritional content and its consumption can fulfill the daily requirements of vitamins A and D, it is increasingly utilized as an ingredient in health supplements, infant formulas, and clinical nutrition. The market is further supported by escalating disposable incomes and the rising number of private-label brands, particularly in developing nations. Over the forecast period, the growing investments by the manufacturers to enhance existing products and add new product lines are expected to contribute significantly to the market's growth. According to the Nutritional Diet and Nutrition Survey, 33% of adults aged 19-64 years, 22% of young people, and 40% of adults 65 years and older consume dietary supplements to fulfill their nutritional needs. For instance, in February 2022, Carlson Laboratories Inc. introduced cod liver oil in green apple flavor to the U.S. marketplace. The newly launched product provides 1,100 mg of omega-3s, vitamins A, and D3 per serving for adults and 550 mg of omega-3s, vitamins A, and D3 for kids. The company says this product is derived from Arctic cod using traditional, sustainable methods.

However, despite increasing demand for the product, certain factors hamper the market growth. Among others, price is one of the key factors. The product is extracted from the cod's liver. Thus, the availability of raw materials becomes limited. The oil-extracting percentage from the liver also sorts the final product's production volume. Furthermore, the production process for the product is more expensive and complex. Therefore, the product is often more expensive than fish and fish liver oil. Price factors may have limited product penetration, especially in developing economies.

Market Segmentation: The dietary supplements segment had the highest share in the cod liver oil market

The dietary supplements segment held the major share of the global market in 2021. The rapidly increasing number of health-conscious individuals worldwide primarily supports the demand. The product offers omega-3s and vitamins A and D and supports bone health, immune system function, and cellular growth. It also helps to support consumers' cardiovascular and mental health, owing to the high content of EPA and DHA fatty acids. Therefore, the segment is anticipated to flourish at an impeccable pace during the forecast period. Codfish oil is a considerable source of nutrients and contains several important therapeutic properties that help relieve joint stiffness associated with arthritis and promote bone health. Thus, the product's growing demand for pharmaceutical applications will likely support its market performance. Moreover, expanding the distribution channel for nutraceutical products and supplements, such as cod oil and other fish oils, is predicted to boost market growth.

Moreover, over the past decade, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among the general population has been growing rapidly, with an omega-3 deficiency in individuals being one of the key factors responsible. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the risk of heart diseases, support brain health and bone development, reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and improve eye and nerve health. According to the Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA) survey in 2021, more than 71% of adults in the United Kingdom utilize dietary supplements like cod liver oil. More than 20 million customers of all ages in the United Kingdom use supplements, a 19% increase from 2019. As a result, increased dietary supplement consumption is projected to contribute to the growth of the cod liver oil market.

Geographical Penetration: Europe is the dominant region during the forecast period

Europe held the largest market share in 2021. Rising consumers' health awareness and pursuit of a balanced lifestyle have created a significant demand for nutraceuticals across European countries, including Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Germany, which have supported the consumption of the product in Europe. The growing product acceptability, intense competition, and huge customer base have pushed brands to strive for competitive advantages through improvements concerning product service delivery and offerings. The prominent regional players are rigorously trying to strengthen their footholds in the European market through several strategies, including base expansion, innovation, new product launches, and digital presence. For instance, on May 7, 2022, True Westfjords launched Dropi cod liver oil, extracted in a way that recreates ancient cold-process techniques used by the Scandinavian nation's Viking settlers. The company aimed to create cod liver oil in its rawest form to assure the retention of its long-recognized health benefits. Cod liver oil is a potent source of vitamins A and D and a full spectrum of omega-3 fatty acids, most prominently EPA, DHA, and DPA. Thus, these factors cumulatively contribute toward driving the market across Europe.

North America is anticipated to hold the second-largest share of the market. The consumption of omega-3s may increase the metabolic rate and help reduce body weight. A larger number of consumers facing obesity problems across North America unlocks an opportunity for the product. Thus, the industry is anticipated to expand with a sizable growth rate in the region during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape:

The global market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure with a few dominant players. These key players in the industry hold a prominent share of the entire market owing to their huge clientele base, unique product offerings, strong brand loyalty, and distribution network. The industry's growth will be driven by several strategies adopted by the companies, such as strengthening distribution networks, launching new products, and fortifying their e-commerce presence to achieve a competitive edge. Some players in the cod liver oil market are LYSI Iceland, Nestle Health Science, Olvea Fish Oils, Vital Nutrients, Power Health Products Ltd., Mason Naturals, Carlson Laboratories Inc., WN Pharmaceuticals Ltd., NOW Health Group, Inc., and Nordic Naturals Inc. For instance, in January 2022, Orkla Health, a Norwegian fish oil manufacturing company, acquired Vesterlen Marine Olje AS, a raw material manufacturing company for the marine oil and protein industries. Orkla acquired this company to develop its business in the region further.

In March 2021, Nordic Natural Inc., a U.S.-based company specializing in producing healthy vitamins and supplement products, developed a custom e-commerce website in collaboration with Cloud Brigade. The newly launched Chinese-language marketing website enabled the company to expand its business in the China market.

COVID-19 Impact: Positive impact on the global cod liver oil market

The global market was moderately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to unpredicted challenges in the supply chain. Hurdles in the supply impacted the raw material supply leading to product price volatility. However, the high demand for food supplements and nutraceuticals among individuals to improve immune function and reduce health-related issues propelled the product's demand within its end-use application segments. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, U.S. supplement sales in 2020 increased by nearly USD 7.08 billion, showcasing 14.5% growth. Specialty supplements, including prebiotics, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen, grew by 12.0% from 2019 to 2020. For instance, on January 4, 2020, AlaskOmega launched an omega-3 concentrate powder produced from natural fish oils and manufactured by Wiley Companies. This product delivers 200 mg/g of DHA and EPA without a fishy smell or taste.

The global cod liver oil market report would provide access to approximately 61 market data tables, 54 figures and 170 pages