Krill Oil Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast from 2025 - 2032

Krill Oil Market Size and Share Analysis

The global krill oil market is predicted to reach a size of US$ 195.3 Mn by 2025. It is anticipated to showcase a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period to attain a value of US$ 333.2 Mn by 2032.

The industry is witnessing a rising preference for krill oil over fish oil owing to its higher absorption rates and fewer side effects, like the fishy aftertaste. As the demand for omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart, brain, and joint health, continues to grow, krill oil supplements are estimated to gain popularity among health-conscious consumers.

• By 2032, the dietary supplements segment is estimated to account for 45% of the market share, driven by awareness campaigns about the benefits of omega-3s.

The oil is finding increasing use in pharmaceutical formulations to treat inflammation, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Atheletes and fitness enthusiasts are propelling demand for krill oil as it can decrease inflammation, improve endurance, and support muscle recovery.

Key Highlights of the Industry

• Food and beverage manufacturers are incorporating krill oil in functional foods to enhance their nutritional value.
• Innovations in sustainable harvesting and efficient extraction methods are improving the quality and yield of krill oil, minimizing its environmental impact.
• Companies are adopting supercritical CO2 extraction and enzymatic processes to produce high-purity krill oil with minimal oxidation.
• Businesses are focusing on obtaining Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and adopting eco-friendly practices to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
• Krill oil's antioxidant-rich composition is driving its application in cosmetic products, particularly anti-aging creams and serums.
• Rise of e-commerce platforms is enabling direct-to-consumer sales of krill oil supplements, making these more accessible.
• Based on end use, the dietary supplements segment is likely to hold a share of 47.8% in 2025 owing to increased focus on preventive healthcare.
• By sales channel, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment is anticipated to hold a share of 43% in 2025 owing to need for a trusted purchasing environment.
• Krill oil market in North America is set to exhibit a CAGR of 2.9% through 2032 owing to rising awareness regarding the benefits of krill oil.

Market Attributes	Key Insights
Krill Oil Market Size (2025E)	US$ 195.3 Mn
Projected Market Value (2032F)	US$ 333.2 Mn
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2025 to 2032)	7.9%
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023)	7.2%

North America Sees High Demand with Focus on Preventive Healthcare

Krill oil market in North America is estimated to hold a share of 29.2% in 2025. The region has one of the largest consumer bases for omega-3 supplements, driven by a growing focus on preventative healthcare. For example,

• In 2023, the U.S. dietary supplements market was valued at US$ 50 Bn, with omega-3 products being a key contributor.

Increasing preference for phospholipid-based omega-3s, which are better absorbed by the body, has accelerated the adoption of krill oil over traditional fish oil. Increasing awareness regarding the health benefits of krill oil is further propelling demand.

• According to the American Heart Association (AHA), omega-3 fatty acids are essential for cardiovascular health, and krill oil’s superior bioavailability makes it a preferred choice.

North America has a higher prevalence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and arthritis.

• In the U.S., 48% of adults have some form of CVD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), driving the demand for krill oil supplements as part of disease prevention strategies.

The region is home to some of the well-established pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies. This enables development and marketing of innovative krill oil-based products.

• In 2023, North America accounted for 40% of the global krill oil market revenue with prominent players focusing on research and development.

Preventive Healthcare Trends are Driving Adoption of Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are projected to hold a share of 47.8% in 2025. Consumers are increasingly adopting preventative healthcare measures, leading to higher consumption of dietary supplements like krill oil. For example,

• According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, 77% of adults in the U.S. reported using dietary supplements in 2023, highlighting a significant growth opportunity for krill oil products.
• A study by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), omega-3 supplements are one of the most consumed dietary supplements worldwide, and krill oil is gaining popularity due to its superior absorption and bioavailability compared to fish oil.

Increasing demand for functional foods has led consumers to seek products that deliver targeted health benefits. Dietary supplements containing krill oil are often recommended for managing chronic health conditions.

• A survey revealed that 54 million adults in the U.S. are affected by arthritis, driving the adoption of krill oil supplements for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets have a Trusted Purchasing Environment, Boosting Sales

Supermarkets/hypermarkets are predicted to hold a share of 43% in 2025. These outlets provide one-stop shopping experiences, where consumers can purchase krill oil products alongside groceries and other daily essentials. They are easily accessible in urban and suburban areas, catering to a diverse consumer base.

• According to a study by the Foo Marketing Institute, 83% of consumers in North America prefer buying health-related products in stores.

Supermarkets/hypermarkets provide ample shelf space and attractive displays, boosting product visibility and encouraging impulse buying. Consumers often trust these outlets as reliable sources for purchasing branded krill oil products. The assurance of product authenticity is a key factor influencing their choice.

Supermarkets stock various krill oil products, including capsules, soft gels, and liquid formulations, catering to a range of consumer preferences. They also feature products across price points, appealing to both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking premium offerings.

Market Introduction and Trend Analysis

Potential growth in the global krill oil industry is predicted to be driven by stringent environmental regulations pushing companies to adopt unique sustainable harvesting practices. This is likely to create a competitive advantage for eco-conscious brands.

The assessment period is likely to witness a continuous demand for MSC-certified products. Rising applications in sport nutrition, infant nutrition, and cognitive health products is likely to further bolster growth.

Historical Growth and Course Ahead

The krill oil market growth was steady at a CAGR of 7.2% during the historical period. Production and consumption of krill oil witnessed significant growth during the period. There was a notable increase in demand for capsules and soft gels in the dietary supplements industry. For instance,

• Demand for krill oil products surges, reaching 9,000 metric tons by 2023.
• According to a 2021 study by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), 60% of U.S. adults began incorporating omega-3 supplements into their diets by 2022.

The krill oil industry benefitted from increasing consumer preferences for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Krill oil was increasingly used in pet supplements, especially to obtain joint health and improved coat conditions in dogs and cats.

The forecast period is likely to witness rapid growth owing to increasing consumer spending on health supplements. Growing awareness regarding the benefits of omega-3 are likely to spur demand.

Market Growth Drivers

Premiumization and Personalized Nutrition

Premium krill oil products often boast higher levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These provide health benefits like enhanced cardiovascular health and stronger immunity. Companies are focusing on high-purity and odorless formulations to appeal to health-conscious and discerning consumers. For example,

• Premium krill oil products accounted for 28% of the global market share by 2023, owing to consumer demand for superior quality formulations and health-conscious trends.

Consumers are seeking krill oil supplements that address their specific health concerns like heart health, cognitive function, and joint support. Businesses are hence offering personalized subscription models and curated supplement plans based on health assessments. For instance,

• A 2022 survey indicated that 65% of supplement consumers were willing to pay a higher price for krill oil products with enhanced health benefits and improved formulations.
• Aker BioMarine launched Superba Boost, a high-potency krill oil supplement targeting premium health-conscious consumers.

Rising Demand for Sports Nutrition

Omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil assist in decreasing exercise-induced inflammation, which is essential for athletes to prevent injuries and maintain long-term performance. The oil is popular for its ability to protect joints from wear and tears, which is a common concern for endurance and weight-training athletes. For example,

• Studies suggest that omega-3s help reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), enabling athletes to resume training faster.
• Studies revealed that 30% of athletes and fitness enthusiasts in the U.S. reported using omega-3 supplements in 2022, including krill oil.

Rising gym memberships and at-home fitness solutions are increasing the preference for natural supplements to improve recovery and support joint health.

• In 2023, sales of krill oil supplements in sports and fitness nutrition increased by 25% year-over-year, with significant growth observed in North America and Europe.

Market Restraining Factors

Taste and Odor Issues

Krill oil contains high levels of phospholipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to its characteristic fishy taste and smell. Exposure to air can lead to oxidation, intensifying the unpleasant odor and taste.

• A 2023 consumer study found that 15% to 20% of users discontinued krill oil supplements due to the taste and smell.

Liquid krill oil formulations are particularly prone to taste and odor issues compared to encapsulated forms. Although soft gel capsules mask the taste, some users still report a fishy aftertaste upon burping after consumption.

• A 2023 Health Supplements Report revealed that 22% of consumers taking liquid krill oil reported dissatisfaction due to taste issues.

Market Growth Opportunities

Technological Innovations in Extraction Techniques

Enzymatic processes are increasingly being used to break down krill biomass, enhancing the yield and bioavailability of the extracted oil. This process ensures higher concentration of phospholipids and improved absorption rates for omega-3 fatty acids.

• Enzymatic extraction technology adoption has seen a 20% growth in leading production facilities over the last five years.

New extraction techniques focus on maximizing the retention of phospholipids, which are crucial for the superior bioavailability of krill oil.

• Products with enhanced phospholipid content have experienced 30% higher market acceptance due to better health outcomes.

Novel extraction technologies now prioritize the preservation of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant naturally present in krill oil. For instance,

• Studies show that krill oil with intact astaxanthin content has a 25% higher antioxidant efficacy than other omega-3 supplements.
• By 2023, 40% of krill oil manufacturers reportedly adopted innovative extraction technologies, contributing to a 12% increase in market value year-over-year.

Increasing Preference for Natural and Sustainable Products

Consumers are increasingly seeking natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, as these are perceived to be free from synthetic additives and chemicals. For example,

• A 2022 survey by the Nutrition Business Journal revealed that 65% of supplement consumers in North America and Europe prioritize natural formulations for daily health products.

Krill oil is perceived as a sustainable omega-3 source compared to overfished species. Sustainable harvesting practices in Antarctic waters have contributed to its popularity.

• A report in 2023 found that companies that adhere to sustainable krill harvesting practices have witnessed a 17% higher growth rate compared to those without such certifications.

Certifications like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Friend of the Seas (FOS) have bolstered consumer trust in krill oil brands. Rise in consumer skepticism toward synthetic and chemically processed supplements is steering demand toward naturally derived options like krill oil.

• Products having MSC certification have witnessed a 20% increase in sales according to a 2023 survey.
• A 2022 global consumer survey revealed that 72% of respondents prefer supplements with natural ingredients.

Competitive Landscape for the Krill Oil Market

Companies in the krill oil market are investing in sustainable harvesting methods to minimize the environmental impact of krill fishing. Aker BioMarine has adopted novel technology to monitor and limit krill harvesting, maintaining compliance with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.

Businesses are also committing to reducing their carbon footprint to align with the global sustainability goals. They are focusing on enhancing the bioavailability of krill oil through new formulations that offer superior absorption compared to conventional triglyceride-based fish oil.

Manufacturers are using advanced flavor masking and encapsulation techniques to address the ‘fishy taste’ concern and improve consumer acceptance. They are also combining krill oil with other ingredients like astaxanthin, vitamins, and coenzyme Q10 to create multifunctional health supplements.

Recent Industry Developments

• In September 2024, Function Technology launched the first dual-function krill oil products at VITAFOODS ASIA.
• In September 2024, Growel Group entered the pet food category with the launch of Carniwel. The pet food is enriched with superfoods like Antarctik Krill, Algal Oil, and Spirulina.
• In August 2024, Swisse tapped on Krill Oil’s three-fold benefits in creating new joint health supplement.
• In May 2023, NYO3 released a new product, NYO3 Gold ultra-boost Krill Oil in its Global Brand Celebration held in Oslo.
• In December 2023, Nongshim launched new health supplement capsules with krill oil to alleviate weakened joints.

Krill Oil Market Report Scope

Attributes	Detail
Forecast Period	2025 to 2032
Historical Data Available for	2019 to 2023
Market Analysis	US$ Million for Value
Key Regions Covered	North America Europe East Asia South Asia and Oceania Middle East and Africa Latin America
Key Market Segments Covered	End Use Sales Channel Region
Key Companies Profiled in the Report	AdvaCare Pharma Aker Biomarine Beijing Be-Better Technology Co. Ltd. Biocorp Co. Ltd. Bio-Mer New Zealand IAF NETWORK S.p.A. Jarrow Formulas Inc. KLAIRE LABS Kori NORWAY OMEGA LTD. NOW® Foods NutriGold Inc. NutriNZ Orzaks  Qingdao Kangjing Marine Biotechnology Co. Ltd. Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc Rimfrost AS Viva Naturals Xi'an Prius Biological Engineering Co. Ltd. Xi'an Sost Biotech Co. Ltd.
Report Coverage	Market Forecast and Trends Company Share Analysis Competitive Intelligence DROT Analysis Market Dynamics and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization and Pricing	Available upon request

Market Segmentation

By End Use

• Dietary Supplement
• Pharmaceutical
• Animal Feed
• Others

By Sales Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Drug Stores and Pharmacies
• Online Retailers
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia and Oceania
• Middle East and Africa

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