Aker BioMarine has responded to recent reports regarding the availability of krill oil supplements at Coles and Woolworths, clarifying the products have not been in supermarket ranges for more than 12 months, with many krill products never sold through the supermarket chains.
Food & Drink Business reported on Coles becoming the first major Australian retailer to have stopped selling krill oil products here.
Ross Norris, general manager for APAC at Aker BioMarine, said it was important to distinguish the timing and circumstances of the original ranging decisions from recent discussions around Antarctic krill.
“Krill oil products have not been re-stocked by Coles or Woolworths for more than a year, however there may have been a small number of products remaining on shelves this year due to previous stock orders,” he explained.
“Krill oil products are premium products, with most only available in pharmacies where consumers can access tailored assistance to help them with their healthcare needs.
“Importantly, we are not aware of either retailer attributing its original ranging decision to sustainability concerns.
“Krill oil also continues to be widely available through pharmacies and other retailers across Australia as a valuable source of EPA and DHA omega-3s, uniquely different to other forms of omega-3, which play important roles in supporting human health.”
According to Norris, understanding the nutritional value of krill was also an important part of the broader conversation.
“Krill is a natural source of EPA and DHA omega-3s, which have well-established roles in supporting human health, including heart and joint health,” he said.
“Krill oil is unique in delivering EPA and DHA omega-3s in phospholipid form, the same building blocks found in the body’s own cells, which can help the body absorb these important nutrients more efficiently. Emerging research is also showing exciting potential for krill-derived EPA and DHA in brain health.
“That nutritional value is precisely why sustainability matters. Protecting the health of the Antarctic ecosystem and ensuring krill is responsibly sourced is fundamental to making this important nutritional resource available for generations to come.”
Norris said Antarctic krill is sourced within a highly precautionary, science-based management framework designed to protect the long-term health of the ecosystem.
“The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation's latest assessment described Antarctic fisheries management as a global benchmark for precautionary, ecosystem-based fisheries management,” he added.
“We also support continued strengthening of Antarctic fisheries management, including the proposed Marine Protected Area around the Antarctic Peninsula and a more modernised approach to krill fishery management.
“We recognise the vital role krill plays in the Antarctic ecosystem and support strong, science-based management that protects the health of the ecosystem for the long-term.
“For Aker BioMarine, sustainability isn't separate from our business. It's fundamental to our future.”
