Background
In 2018, Veramaris, a joint venture between dsm-firmenich and Evonik, started reshaping the aquafeed industry, recognising the urgent need for sustainable alternative sources of Omega-3. There isn’t enough traditional fish oil production to support a growing aquaculture industry, and overfishing would cause negative impacts on marine ecosystems. This led Veramaris to develop a sustainable alternative – algal oil. Focused on providing reliable nutrition to fish and shrimp farmers, Veramaris addresses the booming global demand for farm-raised seafood, reducing the reliance on wild-caught fish and easing the pressure on our oceans.
Veramaris annually produces thousands of tons of the world’s first ASC-MSC-certified microalgae oil, rich in EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids.
Innovation in Action
Operating from a cutting-edge fermentation facility in Nebraska, Veramaris annually produces thousands of tons of the world’s first ASC-MSC-certified microalgae oil, rich in EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are vital Omega-3 fatty acids crucial for fish and human health. Traditionally sourced from fish oil, Veramaris offers a groundbreaking alternative by providing these essential nutrients through renewable, consistent, and independently certified algal oil.
Veramaris, a science-driven company, invested in verified publications, lab-based trials, and commercial-scale studies to develop a practical guideline for Optimum Omega Nutrition (OON). This guide empowers farmers to optimize feed specifications, utilizing algal oil as a scientifically-backed ingredient, promoting productivity, and advancing aquaculture as a healthy, regenerative food system.
Driving Adoption Through Collaborations
Veramaris strategically engages in collaborative partnerships and proactive engagement to drive aquaculture sustainability standards. Collaborations with large-scale retailers across the UK, Europe and North America showcase the impact of aligning and urging suppliers to include algal oil-derived EPA and DHA. This collective and proactive engagement with diverse stakeholders including NGOs, has positively influenced industry practices transcending individual business interests for sustainability in aquaculture.
This collaborative approach seamlessly integrates with Veramaris’ algal oil innovation, delivering value across the aquaculture supply chain. For end consumers, it addresses the deficiency of omega-3s in diets. Retailers can stock healthy and nutritious products, and fish farmers benefit from more robust and resilient fish, ultimately improving the harvest quality.
From Challenges to Growth
Veramaris encountered initial obstacles, from operational challenges in scaling production to convincing fish and shrimp farmers about algal oil’s merits. Having identified the need and the opportunity, strong leadership was crucial for Veramaris to maintain focus as they developed a reliable market. One significant challenge was aligning market readiness with volume delivery. To move forward, the company scaled its industrial fermentation facility, documented safety, efficacy, and sustainability outcomes, and addressed logistical challenges for feed millers adopting the innovative ingredient. Today, a more mature market recognises algal oil as a crucial ingredient in aquaculture feed.