Martek extend DHA omega-3 dairy focus

Through the venture, Martek will extend its focus beyond its core infant nutrition yoghurt ranges, to consumers of all ages throughout the US with next month's launch of Breyers' Smart Yoghurt range.

Within the dairy industry in particular, growing demand for functional products within Europe and the US is driving an increasing number of companies to look to products that can claim health benefits.

As such, Martek's CEO Steve Dubin welcomed the agreement as an important step in pushing its own products towards new markets and customers.

"We are pleased to be working with Breyers on this nutritious yogurt product for adults with life'sDHA," he stated.

"Available in mainstream retailers, Breyers Smart is an excellent way for consumers to get more DHA in their diets."

Omega 3 products are being linked increasingly to a wide range of health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and certain cancers, joint health, and improved behaviour and mood.

Despite these reported benefits, the US has among the lowest intakes of DHA omega-3 in the world, the company says.

Martek is confident therefore that the country offers strong potential in which to launch its latest yoghurt range.

The decision to further expand into western markets like the US and Europe could well prove prudent for the company, Sales of functional dairy products are set to rise 48 per cent in Western Europe and 37 per cent in the US up to 2010, according to market research group Euromonitor International.

Not all experts recommend vegetarian forms of omega-3 like DHA though.

The disadvantage of omega-3 derived from marine algae is that it lacks the EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) found in oil, an ingredient linked to anti-inflammatory benefits.