Discover the Nutraceuticals Industry at Vitafoods Asia

Vitafoods Asia is a key regional learning event centred on the latest research, development and application of nutraceuticals into functional foods and beverages; as well as the marketing, branding and regulations of such fortified products

Health care spending in the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to double by 2050, opening opportunities to market alternative remedies and fortified foods. Across Asia, and especially in China and India, increased disposable income, coupled with ageing populations, are impacting the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, along with blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiac diseases. Inadequate nutrition, due to busy lifestyles, and the high cost of healthcare are also factors. Joint health, gut health, bone health and weight management are expected to be future demand drivers.

Asia Pacific is now the largest regional market for dietary supplements and vitamins. Aside from products developed in Western societies, across the region, consumers are buying products that are enriched with locally-sourced compounds and functional ingredients like probiotics, fibre, calcium or vitamin E; herbs such as tongkat ali and ginseng; along with cultured milk drinks; probiotic yogurts; and cereals that are fortified with fibre; plus, Omega-3 fortified eggs.

Vitafoods Asia showcases key suppliers of such ingredients and raw materials that are used in functional foods. Alongside these suppliers, visitors to the exhibition can source contract manufacturers and private labellers, as well as finished goods manufacturers.

At Vitafoods Asia, there’s an Omega-3 Resource Centre where visitors can witness the latest innovations and product development initiatives around Omega-3. Manufacturers in this market segment are developing innovative flavours to appeal to consumers with drinks that are safe, taste good and are affordable. Key functional beverage manufacturers are exhibiting at the Vitafoods Asia Exhibition.

In countries like Japan and Thailand, where despite relatively healthy diets, there are mineral and vitamin deficiencies in the population. At the Global Health Theatre at Vitafoods Asia, the impact of the modern lifestyle on nutrition and diseases, and how food fortification is addressing these issues, will be discussed by industry experts. Responsible nutrition, importance of fortification & fortified foods, impact on the glycaemic index, as well as the packaging of nutraceuticals into functional foods, will be discussed, among other topics.

At the Vitafoods Asia exhibition, visitors will learn how processes such as microencapsulation, enzyme technology, and nanoencapsulation of ingredients are being used to produce functional foods. Of late, microencapsulation technology has been developed to replace cyclodextrin (CD) molecules to protect the bioactive elements in food processing through to the storage and delivery of functional foods.

Notably, product formulation for the delivery of nutraceuticals is changing. For example, Indian consumers are driving change from traditional tablets, or chewable tablets, to capsules, particularly liquid-filled capsules, which are easier to swallow and are believed to work faster and better. At Vitafoods Asia, discover novel formulations that allow nutraceutical companies to incorporate liquids, pellets, tablets and powders in capsules.

Attending Vitafoods Asia is an essential opportunity to connect and learn from members across the entire nutraceutical supply chain spectrum, from leading manufacturers and distributors to buyers and quality suppliers. A dedicated area, the Industry Advice Zone, is available for visitors to meet with industry experts in one to one consultation sessions, for regulatory advice, market access information and strategies, and marketing and innovation profiling.

The Vitafoods Asia Conference is another chance to learn from academia, government and industry leaders. Structured to help participants maximise their learning in line with their career interests, dedicated conference tracks will guide participants towards talks on research and development, business and marketing strategies, and digestive health. Sessions also address challenges to do with market entry and regulation.