Industry & Business

With current consumer awareness of health and nutrition at an all time high, the global nutraceutical ingredients market is expected to be worth $30 billion by 2015. Returning to Geneva from 6-8 May, Vitafoods Europe once again acts as the industry’s global meeting place where manufacturers, brand owners and retailers can meet with suppliers to generate new business opportunities and strengthen existing relationships.

Upwards of 13,000 visitors are set to descend on the show where they will source the latest ingredient and raw material launches from more than 700 exhibitors such as long-time Vitafoods exhibitors Capsugel, DuPont Nutrition and Health, DSM, and Naturex. A host of new exhibitors will also grace the show floor including Diana Naturals, Fareva, Herbal Creations, Kirsch Pharma, Lactalis and California-based Orgenetics.

The show provides a hub for discussion and debate, enabling visitors to uncover the trends and scientific breakthroughs that are driving the future of the nutraceutical industry. Attendees can stay ahead of the curve by gaining practical advice and information on new ingredients, market opportunities and trends that will aid new product development strategies so products stand out on shelf. With more free content than ever before Vitafoods Europe 2014 will cover the entire nutraceutical spectrum, offering something for every visitor attending the show.

Innovation and new ingredients are the bedrock of Vitafoods Europe. As well as meeting with new suppliers, visitors to the show will discover the most recent ingredient launches in the New Products Zone which acts as a guide to the next generation of nutraceutical ingredients. The Supplier Seminar Theatre meanwhile allows attendees to hear about new launches, research and case studies first-hand from exhibiting companies on topics as diverse as omega-3 fish oil, sleep aids for insomniacs and nutricosmetics.

Visitors can also book their place on popular Innovation Tours. Nutrimarketing will introduce attendees to suppliers who are developing novel products that respond to market evolutions – themes this year include mobility, energy and alertness, and staying smart. New ‘Ingredient and Regulation’ tours by Dr. John Wilkinson also offer an impartial view on ingredients on display at the show from superfruits and extracts to algae.

Chris Lee, Vitafoods Portfolio Director, says: “Our goal is to equip visitors to Vitafoods Europe with the tools and information they need to create products that respond to real consumer demand. Topics such as active ageing, energy and sports nutrition and cognitive health fuelled much of the nutraceutical industry’s growth in 2013 and these will be brought into focus at Vitafoods Europe, alongside major issues such as the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation (FICR) and opportunities in markets around the world.”

Providing essential information on future trends, EU harmonisation and access to markets, the Nutra Insights Hub hosts speakers from leading independent and non-commercial companies. These include Mintel, Euromonitor, Innova Market Insights, EAS and Leatherhead Food Research. Sessions address hot topics from across the industry but there is a special focus on markets and packaging, offering visitors advice to help improve business strategies.

EAS Strategic Advice is also on hand to offer free one-to-one advice on tackling challenges surrounding product formulas, labelling and claims. Saving attendees thousands in consultation fees, the sessions will also cover regulatory compliance including the EU article 13 health claim list, as well as specialist recommendations on overcoming problems that can arise when entering the CIS and Russian region.

A new visitor networking event on day two means visitors can meet their peers to discuss common problems, new business opportunities and how they see the nutraceutical sector evolving in the coming years.

Running alongside the exhibition, the Vitafoods Europe Conference launches a brand new modular format that offers delegates more in-depth insights, as well as a more flexible approach so they can better combine business and learning opportunities. With 77 speakers presenting during 16 sessions, the two-day programme will cover the industry’s hottest topics and allow attendees to select modules most relevant to their business needs. As well as an opening panel discussion on predictions for the future of nutraceuticals, scientific advances in areas such as reproductive, cognitive, eye and heart health, weight management, sports and personalised nutrition, and consumer trends are also on the agenda.

Poster Presentations will also provide visitors with access to scientific prowess with researchers from around the world sharing their projects, ideas, applications and potential investment opportunities for the future.

For even more in-depth insights, visitors can book on to the new “FourFactors® of Success Masterclass” by Peter Wennström, President of the Healthy Marketing Team. Taking place on 7 May, it takes a look at how to position product and ingredients within the European market and how to communicate product benefits with consumers.

Chris Lee adds: “Vitafoods Europe 2014 brings together the top minds in the nutraceutical industry to discuss the topics that will shape the market over the next few years. With a host of new products on show and a comprehensive programme of seminars and educational content, this year’s show is set to be the epicentre of innovation and debate within the industry.”

Vitafoods Europe is co-located with Finished Products Europe – Europe’s leading functional food and drink and dietary supplement exhibition – which is set to boast its biggest and most dynamic event to date. Retailers, distributors and wholesalers are able to meet with over 175 global suppliers to discuss the development of bespoke products that will match with existing product ranges and provide them with a point of difference in-store. As well as the Tasting Bar and New Products Zone, a new seminar theatre offers insights into product development and retail strategies from some of the industry’s most sought after names.