dsm-firmenich marks 40 years of CAROPHYLL Pink

NORWAY – dsm-firmenich is marking 40 years since the launch of CAROPHYLL Pink, its astaxanthin-based feed additive that has become a widely used component in salmon nutrition, as the aquaculture industry places increasing emphasis on fish health, welfare and production efficiency.

Introduced in 1985, CAROPHYLL Pink provides astaxanthin, a carotenoid naturally found in crustaceans such as shrimp and krill and an essential nutrient for salmonids. 

While best known for giving farmed salmon the pink coloration consumers expect, the ingredient also plays an important role in fish physiology, antioxidant protection and stress management.

According to dsm-firmenich, the company was the first to develop an industrial-scale process for producing natural-identical astaxanthin, helping address a major challenge faced by the emerging salmon farming industry in the 1980s.

As aquaculture production expanded globally, farmed salmon lacked access to the natural dietary sources of astaxanthin available to wild fish. 

The development of commercial astaxanthin production enabled feed manufacturers to incorporate the nutrient into aquafeeds at scale, supporting both fish performance and product quality.

“A fish feed cannot leave a factory without astaxanthin. That’s how important it is in terms of a nutrient in feed and for the branding of the final product,” said Louise Buttle, who works on dsm-firmenich’s aquaculture portfolio.

Beyond pigmentation, astaxanthin functions as a powerful antioxidant that helps fish cope with physiological stress and supports overall health. 

Researchers note that wild salmon naturally accumulate the compound throughout their lives and later mobilize it during reproduction, highlighting its biological importance.

Growing focus on functional aquafeed ingredients

The anniversary comes as feed companies continue investing in functional nutrition solutions aimed at improving animal resilience and reducing production risks.

Recent innovations include plant-based health-supporting ingredients, precision nutrition technologies and feed additives designed to enhance immunity, gut health and performance while supporting more sustainable production systems.

For feed manufacturers, reliable access to strategic ingredients remains critical. 

Astaxanthin is regarded as one of the most important specialty ingredients used in salmon feed, with consistent quality and supply essential for maintaining fish health and meeting market requirements.

Stefan Habermacher, Global Product Manager for Carotenoids at dsm-firmenich, said the company remains focused on serving the animal nutrition sector, where demand for scientifically validated feed solutions continues to grow.

Today, CAROPHYLL Pink remains part of dsm-firmenich’s aquaculture portfolio as the company continues refining formulations and manufacturing processes to meet the evolving needs of salmon producers worldwide.

With global aquaculture expected to play an increasingly important role in meeting future protein demand, industry experts believe functional feed ingredients such as astaxanthin will remain central to improving fish welfare, production efficiency and product quality across the sector.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.