MULGRAVE, Nova Scotia—DSM Nutritional Products will invest at least USD $30 million in new capital to upgrade and expand its omega-3 production facilities in Nova Scotia.

DSM recently acquired omega-3 manufacturers Ocean Nutrition and Martek Biosciences Corporation, making DSM one of Nova Scotia's largest employers in the life sciences industry.

“We have high confidence in the science of omega-3s as well as the future market for omega-3s," said Hugh Welsh, president of DSM, North America.

U.S. and Canadian government agencies jointly decided to schedule a workshop in 2015 on the potential use of chronic disease endpoints in setting DRI (daily reference intake) values for omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA along with vitamin E. This workshop will address whether and how chronic disease outcomes can be incorporated into setting DRI values and is expected to lay the foundation for an expert report on this critical aspect of public health.

“Omega-3 from fish oil is one of the most-studied nutrients in the last 30 years.  Despite the well-established, scientifically proven health benefits of omega-3s, many consumers do not obtain enough from their daily diets," said Will Black, vice president of marketing for DSM North America. “Unfortunately, there has been a slowdown in the omega-3 consumption over the past two years, caused in large part by negative media coverage of questionable scientific studies. Consumers get confused with these conflicting messages, so in addition to investing in hard assets, DSM will continue to invest in more science and consumer advocacy and education of Omega-3."  

DSM led the formation of an industry coalition working with GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA), which is working on a strategy to rebalance the tone of the media conversation about omega-3s for the benefit of the industry. 

Earlier this year, DSM invited entrepreneurs to its Partnering Innovation Conference.