Marketing Manager Sarah Sullivan said the offering would be derived from algae sources that have produced its DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) ingredients since the early 1990s.
It would contain about 35 per cent DHA and 15 percent EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and target dietary supplements, foods and beverages.
“The move is a response to customer need,” Sullivan said. “We have always known the algae deliver EPA too, so it is building on that.”
The move fits Martek’s stated ambition to expand on its core DHA and ARA (arachidonic acid) infant nutrition business.
In this direction the company in January paid $200m for Amerifit Brands – a supplements company that gives Martek a direct route to market for new supplements, in addition to Amerifit’s existing portfolio.
Chondroitin is one avenue the company is considering – using its fermentation technology, along with algae-sourced proteins.
DHA infant
Meanwhile, DSM Nutritional Products has moved in the opposite direction, launching a high-DHA powder that also contains EPA, and targeting the infant nutrition market under its ROPUFA brand.
“DSM’s R&D efforts in the infant nutrition sector have intensified to develop products that fulfil and surpass current requirements,” said Krijn Rietveld, senior vice president of DSM Nutritional Products and head of the Nutrition Innovation Group.
“This latest addition to our ROPUFA omega-3 range recognises the critical role DHA plays in infant development and the need for a higher intake. We have already set a new industry standard with our baby food grade and are raising the bar once again with ROPUFA '15' N-3 High DHA Powder S/SD.”