GC Rieber opens $75M sustainable omega-3 plant

Completed two years earlier than estimated, the $75 million project will allow it to cater to the growing demand for sustainable, traceable, high-quality omega-3s.

The manufacturing facility fully aligns with the EU Green Deal initiatives​ and the UN Global Compact guidelines​ and makes GC Rieber VivoMega one of the world’s largest fish and algae manufacturing and storage facilities. 

The facility includes: a 38,000 metric ton storage tank park, an electric steam boiler, additional heating capabilities to help maintain the quality of the oils and allow for easier extraction in winter, and additional nitrogen to remove oxygen for improved sensory profiles.

By transforming energy source from fossil fuels to electricity produced by clean Norwegian hydropower, the electric steam boiler will enable its three facilities to run on 100% renewable energy.

Ståle Søfting, sales and marketing director at GC Rieber VivoMega, explained that the new storage capacity could help with price volatility in the future, the importance of

which was discussed during the GOED Exchange​ earlier this year.

"The 38,000 metric tons tank park allows us to store raw materials for longer periods and supports our customers with flexible supply solutions to fit their needs," he told NutraIngredients. "One example from previous periods of fish oil supply constraints is to limit our customers’ exposure to price volatility."

According to GOED’s May 2024 Finished Product Report, EPA/DHA finished product sales of supplements grew by 9.1% in 2023. And demand for sustainable sources is growing with the GOED+Mintel report "Global Trends in EPA & DHA Supplement Product Introductions" reporting that claims related to a product’s environmental impact or the company’s environmental stewardship increased at least 10% from 2018 to 2023.

"This is an exciting time for GC Rieber VivoMega and our customers," said Snorre Glærum Strand, CEO at GC Rieber VivoMega. "With the supply of fish oils starting to normalize, somewhat thanks to improvements in ongoing fishery, and the growing demand for sustainable, traceable, high-quality omega-3 increases, this new facility allows us to meet the varying consumer needs, including a vegan alternative EPA & DHA."