FDBusiness.com

With consumer awareness of functional nutrition higher than ever, and science and technology driving exciting new innovations, the future for nutraceuticals is looking bright. In fact, a survey by the organisers of Vitafoods Europe – which takes place between 15 and 17 May 2018 in Palexpo, Geneva – shows that 92% of industry professionals feel either quite positive or very positive about the future for their company (up from 88% last year).

Almost half (48%) see increasing consumer awareness as one of the biggest opportunities for their business, followed by innovation through new ingredients (37%) and growth in developing markets (27%).

Vitafoods Europe has undergone a series of improvements to ensure the industry makes the most of such opportunities. The 2018 event will provide valuable insights into the big trends and scientific advances shaping the future, as well as offering expert advice to help visitors overcome challenges.

The event is expected to attract over 21,000 visitors and over 1,100 exhibitors, but despite enjoying a record-breaking year in 2017, the event’s organisers have not stood still. Based on feedback from visitors, the team has adapted and expanded popular attractions and resources.

New Ingredients Zone

For example, the New Ingredients Zone will for the first time include an Ingredients Theatre where visitors can find out more about specific ingredients, products and services through case studies and presentations and an interactive demonstration area will offer a new Sports Nutrition Theatre, as well as a sampling bar and product showcases.

This year’s survey reveals a three-way tie at the top of the nutraceutical agenda. Healthy ageing, general wellbeing and digestive health, each chosen by 23% of survey respondents, ranked jointly as companies’ most important health benefit areas.

Healthy Ageing

Reflecting the importance of healthy ageing, the Vitafoods Life Stages Theatre will offer expert sessions on nutrition requirements from infancy to later life. Speakers will include Dr Emma Schofield, Global Food Science Analyst at Mintel, will discuss food, drink and healthcare for seniors of different age groups.

The Vitafoods Europe survey shows how the industry is investing heavily in research and development. Almost half (46%) of respondents said their companies will spend at least 10% on R&D in the current financial year, and over a third (37%) said their investment would be even higher next year.

Innovation

Reflecting this spirit of innovation, Vitafoods Europe will offer visitors a range of opportunities for discovery. For those looking for something new for their business, the New Ingredients Zone will showcase the latest ingredients and raw materials, and the New Products Zone will display the latest functional foods and beverages – from teas, bars and powders to health shots and chewable vitamins. 

In a fast-moving consumer-led industry, the importance of marrying future trends with the latest scientific research has never been greater.

Vitafoods Education Programme

The Vitafoods Education Programme, which runs alongside the main trade show, brings together big names from academia and industry. The interaction between them, and the value it creates for businesses, is a core element of the event. After securing in-depth feedback from delegates through research and interviews, Vitafoods Europe is proud to present a new, improved, more interactive Education Programme in 2018. For the first time, it will include seven Interactive Round Table Discussions to encourage the sharing of best practice and peer-to-peer networking. And a new one-day pass option will allow time-pressured delegates to take part in the forums on a cost-effective basis.

Over the past two decades Vitafoods Europe has earned a reputation as the place where professionals from across the global nutraceutical supply chain meet to create products that deliver optimal health. It is the perfect platform for both established brands and smaller companies with products, ingredients or services to launch or showcase.

Register now to attend Vitafoods Europe for FREE and find out more at:

http://www.vitafoods.eu.com/?utm_source=PR&utm_campaign=PRV&utm_medium=PRE