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Zooca® (Calanus AS) Appoints Okura Chem-Tech Corp. as Exclusive Partner for Japan
AUGUST 19. 2026 / Tromsø, Norway & Osaka, Japan: Zooca® (Calanus AS) is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with Okura Chem-Tech Corp., appointing the Osaka-based company as its exclusive importer, distributor and commercial partner for Zooca® Calanus Oil in Japan.
The agreement is an important step in Zooca’s international growth strategy and establishes a strong platform for introducing Zooca Calanus Oil to the Japanese health and nutrition market.
Bringing Norwegian Marine Innovation to Japan
Japan is a leading market for health, nutrition and healthy aging solutions, with strong demand for quality, scientific documentation and differentiated ingredients.
Derived from sustainably harvested Calanus finmarchicus from the Norwegian Sea, Zooca Calanus Oil contains more than 40 naturally occurring fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids, as well as marine policosanols and natural astaxanthin. Backed by more than two decades of research and innovation, it offers a platform for product development across healthy aging, metabolic health and premium marine nutrition.
"Japan is at the forefront of healthy aging, product quality and nutritional innovation. Zooca Calanus Oil combines a distinctive marine lipid composition with strong sustainability credentials and scientific documentation. Together with Okura Chem-Tech Corp., we look forward to building a strong, long-term position in Japan," said Ole Sakkestad, Chief Sales Officer Human Health & Nutrition at Zooca.
From a scientific perspective, "Japan is one of the world’s most advanced markets for science-based nutrition. Zooca Calanus Oil combines a unique marine lipid composition with a growing body of research exploring its relevance to metabolic health and healthy aging, making it an exciting platform for future innovation," said Lisa Myrseth Hemmingsen, Head of Science at Zooca.
Strengthening Okura Chem-Tech Corp.’s Health and Nutrition Portfolio
Okura Chem-Tech Corp. has a strong position in Japan’s health and nutrition sector, with a broad portfolio of marine lipids and other specialty nutraceutical ingredients.
Zooca Calanus Oil adds a differentiated Norwegian marine ingredient with a strong sustainability profile and scientific foundation. Okura Chem-Tech Corp.’s relationships with major Japanese softgel manufacturers also provide a strong platform for product development.
"We are honored to be selected as Zooca’s exclusive partner in Japan. Zooca Calanus Oil complements our portfolio and gives our customers access to a distinctive marine ingredient supported by science and sustainability," said Nobuaki Ashimori, Business Development Manager at Okura Chem-Tech Corp.
Official Introduction at HI Japan 2026
Zooca Calanus Oil will be introduced to Japanese B2B companies at HI Japan 2026 in Tokyo, October 14–16, 2026.
Zooca and Okura Chem-Tech Corp. will jointly present the ingredient to Japanese supplement brands, contract manufacturers and innovation partners, and discuss opportunities in healthy aging, metabolic health and marine nutrition.
The companies also acknowledge Innovation Norway for market insight, local knowledge and introductions during the market development process.
Through the partnership, Zooca and Okura Chem-Tech Corp. aim to make Zooca Calanus Oil available to Japanese brands seeking a premium marine ingredient supported by science, sustainable sourcing and consistent quality.
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ABOUT ZOOCA®
Zooca® (Calanus AS) is a Norwegian bio-marine company that develops, produces, and commercializes unique functional health and nutrition products based on the sustainable utilization of the marine zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus, one of the largest renewable marine resources globally.
The company operates in both Norwegian and international markets and collaborates globally with industrial and scientific partners. Zooca® is the only company in Norway engaged in the industrial utilization of zooplankton.
Zooca® has carried out extensive research and development activities within harvesting technology, process and application development, product development, and scientific documentation for commercialization.
The main product, Zooca® Calanus® Oil, is used as a high-quality nutritional ingredient for human health. In animal health, the portfolio includes Zooca® Hydrolysate, Zooca® Powder, Zooca® AstaLipids, Zooca® NutriPods, and Zooca® SeaFrozen, which are used as functional ingredients in aquaculture, pet nutrition, and other applications across several markets.
ABOUT OKURA CHEM-TECH CORP.
Okura Chem-Tech Corp. is a Japanese specialty ingredient company headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The company serves customers across food ingredients, functional foods, nutraceuticals and specialty chemical markets. Its food and functional foods team supports customers throughout the product development process, from concept development and product design to mass production.
Okura Chem-Tech Corp. press contact:
Nobuaki Ashimori, Business Development Manager / ashimori@okura-ct.co.jp
Website: https://okura-ct.co.jp
