Vitafoods Preps for May Event in Geneva

An estimated 12,000 attendees are expected to participate in Vitafoods Europe, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, May 14 to 16. More than 600 suppliers of ingredients and raw materials for the dietary supplement and functional food industry will be showcased, as attendees also participate in the Vitafoods Europe Conference, offering critical educational information. The events are co-located with Finished Products Europe, which highlights finished dietary supplement and functional food products.

"Weve added new content to Vitafoods Europe 2013 to ensure the exhibition and conference remains the most focused in the industry," said Chris Lee, Vitafoods portfolio director. "Vitafoods Europe is a global meeting place for professionals in the nutraceuticals industry and we're looking forward to welcoming visitors through the show doors for another exciting edition in 2013."

The Vitafoods Conference will follow a new format featuring longer sessions to enable more in-depth presentations from a broad range of speakers from global universities, academies, research bodies and commercial organizations. Topics to be covered include preventive health and immunity, gut health and brain and mind health.

One notable session will feature Ambroise Martin, chair of the NDA Panel, EFSA Health Claims, who will address the controversial Article 13 health claims and discuss how to open up the dialogue with EFSA. Martin commented: "It is crucial for me to have the opportunity to attend important events in the field such as Vitafoods Europe in order, not only to continue to explain the rationale behind our opinions (there are indeed no magic recipes), but also to gain feedback from all interested parties. The huge mass of previous generic lists and the rejection of many of the first applications should not mask that the future is still largely open for good science."

In addition to the scientific and commercial sessions at the conference, the new Nutra Insights Hub will feature presentations on key market trends. Led by research bodies and industry associations such as GOED, Euromonitor, EAS Strategic Advice, European Nutraceutical Association, Innova Market Insights, Mintel and the International Probiotics Association, the seminars will allow attendees to learn more about opportunities for growth and innovation to form marketing and business strategies. Poster Sessions will also return to the show floor with a more prominent position, giving researchers an opportunity to share their scientific projects and discuss ideas, applications and potential investment opportunities for the future.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear more about exhibitors' new product launches and case studies at the Seminar Theatre located on the show floor. Other offerings include the New Products Zone at the entrance to the show and VitaTrend, an interactive space from Innova Market Insights, highlighting emerging trends that will impact product development, covering diverse topics from healthy aging and protein to "free-from" claims and alternative sweeteners.

Running alongside Vitafoods Europe is the Finished Products Europe event, which will include 175 global exhibitors displaying a full range of nutraceutical and dietary supplement products for retail distribution. The Tasting Bar will give visitors the opportunity to sample some of the most exciting products in the functional food and drinks market and cast their vote to decide a winner in each category.