Political and economic uncertainties have failed to dent optimism in the nutrition industry, research carried out exclusively for Vitafoods Europe 2017, the global nutraceutical event, has shown.

There has been speculation about the impact that political shocks such as Brexit will have on the industry. But research by the organisers of Vitafoods Europe (taking place between 9 and 11 May in Palexpo, Geneva) paints an overwhelmingly positive picture, with excitement about consumer awareness and developing markets on the rise.

Visitors to the event were asked how they felt about the future of their businesses in terms of sales performance and profitability. Nearly nine in ten (88%) said they felt either very positive or quite positive. When the same question was asked last year, 87% said they were either very or quite positive, suggesting that industry optimism has not diminished over the past twelve months.

Chris Lee, Managing Director, Global Health and Nutrition Network, Europe, Informa Exhibitions said:

“It’s a sign of the resilience and resourcefulness of our industry that even in a period of political uncertainty, companies are focusing on opportunities rather than problems. With consumers increasingly interested in nutrition, markets opening up across the world, and innovative new ingredients emerging, there’s a lot to be excited about. Vitafoods Europe helps visitors understand those opportunities and make the most of them. But there will always be challenges too, and part of our role is to support the industry in meeting them.”

Given the mood of optimism, it seems fitting that this year’s Vitafoods Europe, the global nutraceutical event, is expected to be the biggest ever. The first event took place in 1997 – there were 100 exhibitors, and just over 1000 attendees. This year there are expected to be over 1000 exhibitors and over 18,500 visitors.

Vitafoods Europe, the global nutraceutical event, is expected to be the biggest ever…

The stature of Vitafoods Europe has grown too. It is firmly established as the place to be for anyone who wants to do business, source new ingredients and products, learn and network in the global nutraceutical industry. They will have access to a range of attractions across four key market areas: ingredients & raw materials, branded finished products, contract manufacturing & private label, and services & equipment.

Helping the Industry Explore Opportunities

As well as being a key sourcing event, Vitafoods Europe helps visitors make the most of opportunities and overcome challenges. Both the main trade show and the newly revamped Vitafoods Education Programme offer a wealth of expert advice.

When asked to name the three biggest opportunities for their companies, over half the survey respondents (53%) identified increased consumer awareness of nutrition, up from 50% last year, and a third (33%) chose growth in developing markets – up from 24%. Four in ten (41%) cited innovation through new ingredients.

Vitafoods Europe is the place to discover and explore these opportunities. Year on year, businesses use the event as a platform for launches, and hundreds of new ingredients will be exhibited and demonstrated at this year’s event, 90 of them in the New Ingredients Zone alone.

There will also be plenty of innovation on show in the New Products Zone, and the Springboard Pavilion will provide a space to engage with entrepreneurs at the cutting edge of the nutrition sector. For visitors who like their information bite-sized, the unique Vitafoods Launchpad will offer concise, highly focused exhibitor presentations about the latest products and ingredients.

New for 2017, the Vitafoods Innovation Centre, in association with analyse & realise, will offer free consultations on product development, scientific marketing, licensing opportunities, regulation and market access. Visitors who take advantage of the Innovation Tours in association with NutriMarketing will be able to take a guided tour around carefully seleced exhibitors.

And for those who prefer to find their own way round, four self-guided Discovery Trails will show the way to Sports Nutrition suppliers; New Exhibitors; Exhibitors looking for Distributors; and Advice and Expertise.

Last year, one in five visitors to Vitafoods Europe listed probiotics as one of the categories they were most interested in, and this will be the focus of the new Probiotics Resource Centre in association with the International Probiotics Association.This dedicated knowledge hub will enable visitors to understand everything there is to know about Probiotics – from the latest breakthroughs in technology to analysis of consumer trends.

As well as showcasing new products and ingredients, Vitafoods Europe helps visitors learn more about the markets in which they operate, with hundreds of industry figures offering valuable business insights, as well as addressing complex legal, regulatory, and ethical issues. In the Market & Trend Overview, experts from Innova Market Insights will explain the latest innovations and emerging industry trends. Topics will include the Top 10 trends for 2017, Cognitive Health, and Heart Health. Visitors to Vitafoods Centre Stage will hear from expert speakers including Inga Koehler of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare who will address upper limits for vitamins and minerals in Europe.

about Vitafoods Europe

Vitafoods Europe is the global nutraceutical event featuring exhibitors from all over the world across four key market areas: ingredients & raw materials; branded finished products; contract manufacturing & private label; and services & equipment. The event offers a range of visitor attractions, including an industry-leading education programme.