Fermentalg

What Fermentalg does

Fermentalg is a French publicly traded biotech (Euronext Growth Paris, ticker ALXP, ~70 employees, headquartered in Libourne) that produces sustainable BioSolutions from aquatic micro-organisms — primarily microalgae — using proprietary precision fermentation and precision photosynthesis platforms. The company operates across a vertically integrated value chain spanning microbiology (a 2,500+ cryopreserved strain library), precision fermentation, industrial scale-up, and applications/formulation, with 229 patents protecting strain development, fermentation processes and extraction technologies.

Its commercial portfolio centers on three families. (1) Functional lipids under the OMEGA ΩRIGINS™ brand, including the DHA ORIGINS® sub-range, derived from a proprietary Schizochytrium sp. FCC-3204 strain via patented precision fermentation — the flagship 400/200 ratio delivers 40% EPA + 20% DHA and up to 60% total omega-3 content without any concentration step. (2) Galdieria Blue™, a naturally derived acid-stable blue colorant produced from Galdieria sulphuraria via precision fermentation, stable down to pH 3 and heat resistant, commercialized worldwide by Givaudan under the Everzure™ brand. (3) Kalveā® algal proteins and peptides for pet nutrition. Industrial production is performed at HuvePharma's European facilities (Europe's largest fermentation capacity at ~10,000 m³) under an OEM partnership, with a 100 tons/year Everzure target by 2026.

Fermentalg sells ingredients B2B to nutritional, dietary supplement, food & beverage, and pet nutrition manufacturers, with no public pricing disclosed. Givaudan handles global formulation and commercialization of the blue colorant, while a direct field-sales team ([email protected]) handles other ingredient inquiries. The company has secured FDA approval for Galdieria Blue (May 2025) and an EFSA positive opinion (March 2026), along with FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, ISO 14001, EcoVadis Gold and EthiFinance Platinum ESG ratings. A non-core joint venture, CarbonWorks (with SUEZ and financial investors BNP Paribas, Bpifrance, Demeter and Naco), extends the platform into precision photosynthesis for carbon capture and bio-based molecule production.

Name

Fermentalg

Legal name

Fermentalg

Website

https://fermentalg.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

French public biotech producing sustainable microalgae-derived BioSolutions — omega-3 EPA/DHA oils, acid-stable natural blue colorant, and algal proteins — via precision fermentation and photosynthesis platforms, supplying nutritional, food & beverage, and pet nutrition manufacturers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Microalgae-derived Bioingredients

NAICS

Fats and Oils Refining and Blending (311225)

SIC

Fats & Oils (2070)

akta.pro primary industry

Omega-3 & Specialty Lipids (Fish/Algal Oils, EPA/DHA, MCTs, CLA, Phospholipids) (AFAJAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Algae & Seaweed Proteins (Microalgae/Spirulina, Macroalgae) (AFAJAHAF), Omega-3 & Marine/Algal Lipids (EPA/DHA Oils, Concentrates) (AFAJALAK), Alternative Protein & Sustainable Pet Food (insect/plant/cell-based) (CRADAFAI)

Keywords

• Microalgae biotechnology
• Algal omega-3 oils
• Natural blue pigments
• Algal protein ingredients
• Precision fermentation

Headquarters

HQ city

Libourne

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. BioSolutions Ingredients Sales: Sale of microalgae-derived ingredients including Omega-3 oils (OMEGA ΩRIGINS, DHA ORIGINS), natural blue colorants (Galdieria Blue/Everzure), and algal proteins (Kalvea) to nutritional, food, beverage, supplement, and pet nutrition manufacturers.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Fermentalg develops and industrializes sustainable BioSolutions derived from aquatic microalgae using proprietary precision fermentation and precision photosynthesis platforms. Its product portfolio centers on three families: functional lipids (Omega-3 EPA/DHA oils under the ΩRIGINS™ and DHA ORIGINS® brands), natural colorants (acid-stable blue pigment Galdieria Blue™ / Everzure™), and functional proteins (Kalveā® algal proteins for pet nutrition), designed in France and produced in Europe for nutritional, food & beverage, and pet health manufacturers.

Product overview

Fermentalg is a biotech company developing and producing sustainable BioSolutions derived from aquatic microalgae and other microorganisms. Its product portfolio centers on three core BioSolution families: (1) functional lipids — primarily omega-3 EPA/DHA oils under the ΩRIGINS™ brand (including DHA ORIGINS® sub-brand), produced via precision fermentation from proprietary Schizochytrium sp. strains; (2) natural colorants — the acid-stable natural blue pigment Galdieria Blue™, commercialized by Givaudan under the Everzure™ brand; and (3) functional proteins — Kalveā® algal proteins for pet nutrition. Products are designed in France and produced in Europe, targeting infant nutrition, dietary supplements, food & beverages, and pet health markets. The company also operates a joint venture (CarbonWorks) focused on precision photosynthesis technology for carbon capture and bio-based molecule production.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ΩRIGINS™: Functional lipids - the purest source of Omega-3s naturally concentrated from microalgae for health at every stage of life.
• Galdieria Blue™
• Kalveā®

Products and services

• OMEGA ΩRIGINS™ EPA/DHA A range of omega-3-rich algal oils derived from proprietary Schizochytrium sp. FCC-3204 strain via patented precision fermentation. Flagship ratio 400/200 delivers 40% EPA and 20% DHA — the highest naturally concentrated EPA/DHA from microalgae without any concentration step. Total omega-3 content reaches up to 60%. Available in multiple ratios (400/200, 300/200, 150/300, 100/500), formats (oil, powder) and colors (yellow, orange). Targeted at dietary supplement, functional food & beverage and pet nutrition manufacturers.
• DHA ORIGINS® Premium plant-based DHA oils from Schizochytrium sp. microalgae offering multiple DHA concentrations (170, 400, 510, 550 mg/g) in triglyceride form, with a minimum guaranteed 550 mg/g DHA content. EFSA authorized at 1g DHA/day, GMO-free, solvent-free extraction, free from heavy metals and contaminants. GOED member quality standards. Provides four times more DHA than currently authorized dose for similar oils (1g DHA/day authorized vs typical 250mg).
• Galdieria Blue™ Next-generation antioxidant and vibrant natural blue pigment derived from the extremophile microalgae Galdieria sulphuraria via precision fermentation. The first naturally derived blue colorant combining high stability with acid resistance (stable down to pH 3 and heat resistant), enabling performance in acidic beverages, confectionery, fruit preparations, bakery and dairy — applications historically dominated by synthetic dyes. FDA-approved (May 2025); EFSA positive opinion (March 2026) pending EU authorization. Commercialized globally via Givaudan under the Everzure™ brand.
• Everzure™ Galdieria Co-branded commercial offering of Fermentalg's Galdieria Blue natural blue colorant marketed by Givaudan (the world's largest flavor and fragrance company) under the Everzure brand. Produced through precision fermentation by HuvePharma, positioned as a bio-based, petroleum-free alternative to synthetic Brilliant Blue FCF (E133) for global food and beverage manufacturers seeking clean-label natural color solutions.
• Kalveā® A new generation of natural, non-animal proteins and peptides sourced from microalgae, designed specifically for optimal pet nutrition. Provides a sustainable, algae-derived protein ingredient for pet health and nutrition applications, addressing demand for natural, sustainable and traceable pet food ingredients.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40% EPA + 20% DHA concentration achieved naturally without concentration steps
• +6 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• HuvePharmacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Strategic alliance for industrial-scale Omega-3 production with HuvePharma, a European leader in precision fermentation with access to Europe's largest fermentation capacity (~10,000 m³). Fermentalg provides strain innovation, process design, and upstream/downstream optimization. HuvePharma handles large-scale industrial manufacturing of ΩRIGINS Omega-3 and Everzure Galdieria. Key achievements include full transfer of Omega-3 production in 2024 (+40% productivity), refining unit opening in 2025, and industrial transfer of Everzure targeting 100 tons/year by 2026. HuvePharma is also a strategic shareholder and board member.
• GivaudancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership for co-development and commercialization of Everzure Galdieria natural blue colorant for food and beverages. Fermentalg provides strain development (Galdieria sulphuraria), fermentation expertise, and process industrialization. Givaudan handles formulation, pre-marketing tests with global food groups, and worldwide commercialization under the Everzure brand. Industrial production started in 2024. Breakthrough stability down to pH 3 and heat resistance make Everzure ideal for beverages, confectionery, bakery, and dairy. Givaudan is the world's largest flavor and fragrance company.
• SUEZstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Long-standing partnership dating back to 2015 for microalgae and photosynthesis applications. Led to the establishment of CarbonWorks joint venture for carbon capture and utilization. Fermentalg contributes microalgae expertise, strain selection, and biotechnology development. SUEZ provides environmental engineering, infrastructure, and industrial deployment. Key achievements include development of patented photobioreactor technology (11 patent families) with unique surface efficiency and scalable potential. Applications include functional lipids, pigments, biocontrol, and biostimulants.
• CarbonWorksstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture between Fermentalg and SUEZ established to pioneer Precision Photosynthesis technology. Addresses the critical gap in harnessing photosynthetic capabilities of photosynthetic microorganisms for industrial applications. Focuses on leveraging photosynthetic microorganisms through Precision Photosynthetic IPS for production of high-value molecules including biocidal agents, recombinant proteins, and other active compounds uniquely accessible via photosynthesis. Fermentalg CEO serves as president; operationally managed by Imanol de Cherisey.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• dsm-firmenich: The world's largest producer of algae-based DHA/EPA omega-3 oils (Veramaris, life's OMEGA) and a leading nutritional ingredients supplier. Directly comparable to Fermentalg in microalgae-derived functional lipids, B2B ingredient sales to nutrition and F&B customers, and global commercialization of food ingredients.
• AlgaEnergy: Spanish microalgae biotechnology company developing microalgae-based solutions for agriculture, food, and aquaculture. Comparable to Fermentalg as a microalgae platform company pursuing industrial-scale applications across multiple end markets using proprietary strains.
• Roquette: Global leader in plant-based ingredients, including pea protein and emerging algae-based protein offerings for food, nutrition, and pet food applications. Comparable to Fermentalg in the alternative protein and fermentation-derived ingredient categories serving F&B and pet nutrition markets.
• Kalsec: US-based natural ingredient company specializing in colors (from sources including algae), flavors, and plant extracts for the food and beverage industry. Comparable to Fermentalg as a specialty natural colorant supplier serving clean-label reformulation needs in F&B.
• Sensient Technologies: Specialist supplier of natural and synthetic colors, flavors, and fragrances for food, beverage, and personal care applications. Directly comparable to Fermentalg as a B2B natural colorant supplier competing in the same food and beverage formulation market.
• Cyanotech: Hawaiian microalgae company producing Spirulina and natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis for nutrition, supplements, and food applications. Directly comparable as a vertically integrated microalgae-to-ingredient B2B supplier in the natural ingredients space.
• GNT Group: Specialist in plant- and algae-based natural colorants (EXBERRY brand), with a particular strength in blue and green shades from edible sources. Closest direct competitor to Fermentalg in the acid-stable natural blue colorant category for F&B applications.

Broad incumbents

• Novonesis: Formed from the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, Novonesis is a global leader in microbial solutions, food cultures, enzymes, and natural ingredients. Comparable as a broad-incumbent supplier of fermentation-derived ingredients and natural color solutions to F&B manufacturers, though much larger and more diversified than Fermentalg.
• Cargill: One of the world's largest food and feed ingredient companies, with a portfolio spanning oils, alternative proteins, and algae-derived omega-3 (via partnerships such as AlgaeOil). Comparable as a broad incumbent in the omega-3 and functional ingredient categories, with significantly greater scale and customer reach.
• ADM: Global agribusiness and food/feed ingredient supplier with strong positions in plant-based proteins, natural colors, and nutrition. Comparable as a broad incumbent in alternative proteins, natural colorants, and functional lipids, though much larger and more diversified than Fermentalg.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fermentalg
• Xx.com/FermentalgCom

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors9 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fermentalg