Speaking with NutraIngredients-USA at the recent SupplySide West show, Schutt said that recent conversations with members have shown that demand “is off the charts for our oil suppliers.
“The challenge, as I’m sure you’re hearing in many supplement categories, is around the logistics: shipping containers not available, shipping prices are ridiculous, encapsulation is not available in a timely fashion, the components like bottles and tops [are in short supply]. All of that is endemic throughout the supplement industry.
“In general, it’s a good feeling that people are still interested in omega-3s.”
Keeping consumers energized and engaged
With the number of American consumers using dietary supplements reportedly at their highest ever levels, a key question for the industry remains whether the increased interest and demand from consumers for dietary supplement products is sustained for years to come, said Schutt.
Over the years, GOED has run education and awareness programs to keep consumers energized and interested in omega-3 products, and Schutt said that the main lesson is to have a steady drumbeat of positive information for consumers.
“We look at it partly as education for consumers, but also balancing what the consumer media might be saying about omega-3s, because if there’s a negative study that gets consumer press then we want to make sure we have the positive research or news to at least keep it a balanced story. “
Clinical trials database
A key part of the conversation will be around the science and GOED has been working on a clinical trials database for several years that includes 4,000-plus clinical trials on EPA and DHA omega-3s will help companies with claims substantiation and provide access to significant scientific data to counter negative consumer media articles.
The database should be completed and ready in time for the GOED Exchange, which will take place February 15-17, 2022 in Florida.
“The Exchange is a very different conference – it’s not a typical industry conference,” explained Schutt. “We have a keynote speaker who focuses on innovation and he’s planning a really interactive presentation just to make the audience think about things a little differently.
“Our closing keynote is an expert on changing consumer behavior, and we talk a lot about how you get someone to start taking an omega-3 supplement and continue to take it. He has some really interesting insights into ways to influence the consumer and it’s not what you would think.”
For more information about the GOED Exchange, please click HERE.
