Vitafoods Asia Gathers Nutrition Industry in Hong Kong

More than 135 suppliers, including Chr. Hansen, Monteloeder and OptiSlim, presented their latest ingredients and innovations to 2,345 visitors at Vitafoods Asia, the only event dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries in Asia. Visitors represented brands such as Dole, Vitasoy, A.S. Watsons, Blackmores and PepsiCo.

Earlier this month, the fifth edition of Vitafoods Asia hosted distributors who were seeking ingredients, raw materials and finished products at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.

Chris Lee, Vitafoods Portfolio Director, said hot topics at the show were products that help consumers manage life stage transition, probiotics and regulatory updates.

At the newly initiated Global Market Theatre, attendees were offered market overviews, regulatory framework workshops, as well as the latest advances in R&D. Presented as how-to guides, these complimentary sessions empowered visitors with the knowledge to plan their market entry strategies for specific countries (China, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia) and regions (Europe and the United States).

The New Products Zone showcased more than 75 functional food and drinks, dietary supplements, ingredients and raw materials by international manufacturers. The feature area highlighted products that were launched in the last 12 months and made it easier for attendees to identify industry trends.

The Tasting Bar and the inaugural Best Functional Beverage and Best Functional Food Awards housed 16 food items and 10 drinks, which contended for visitors’ votes over the two-day event. Attendees were free to sample and compare a selection of the finished products on display at the show. America's Naturals LLC’s energy drink, NERGIA Tangerine, and Health-Love Co. Ltd’s Dr. Esther Queen product, a pomegranate jelly that alleviates menopausal symptoms, were the winners.

“We’re very heartened to repeatedly see full-house attendance at the Global Market Theatre sessions, and to receive positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike on the new Tasting Bar Awards," Lee said. “Above all, however, what’s most fulfilling for us is the general sense that our event has facilitated business, and therefore met the industry’s needs and expectations."

The Vitafoods Asia Conference was focused on the theme of “Translating Science into Good Business," and the conference content was divided into two distinct, parallel streams—“Your Business" and “Your Science"—that ran concurrently. Delegates were able to attend sessions under either track, which allowed them to customize their learning accordingly.

Next year, Vitafoods Asia will be held Sept. 1 and 2, 2016 at the AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong.

Vitafoods Asia is part of Informa Exhibitions’ Global Health & Nutrition Network (GHNN), which also hosts SupplySide West and publishes Natural Products INSIDER, the global media brand covering healthy ingredients and finished applications.