The demand for natural astaxanthin is now emerging in the multi-billion dollar nutraceutical market. The global astaxanthin market is estimated at about $257 million, most of which is used in fish coloration (2009 data; estimates by BCC Research for astaxanthin market size are however lower). The human uses market is growing and estimated at about $27-$40 million. Most astaxanthin is derived from the algae, H pluvialis, which is commonly consumed by fish and crustaceans – like salmon and lobster – and is responsible for their pink coloration. Astaxanthin is principally consumed by the salmon feed industry. The annual worldwide aquaculture market of this pigment is estimated at US$ 200 million with an average price of US$ 2500/kg. - See more at: http://www.oilgae.com/blog/2014/05/market-scope-of-astaxanthin.html#sthash.M9sm1dPU.dpuf