Vitafoods Asia 2014 Establishes Itself as the Hub for Business and Learning in Asia

The Asian nutraceutical market has experienced unprecedented growth over the last decade and is well-placed to position itself alongside more developed US and European markets.

Now, as China enjoys the benefits, emerging markets such as Indonesia burst with opportunity and demand for nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements in densely populated countries such as India show no signs of abating, all eyes are on Asia as the region establishes itself as a business hub for new product development. 

According to research, the outlook for Asia Pacific’s nutraceutical, functional food and beverage, vitamin and dietary supplement industries is positive with CAGR predicted to reach 11.5% over the period of 2012-2017.

At Vitafoods Asia, which takes place on 3-4 September, the international community comes together to discuss new business partnerships, discover new ingredients and technologies, unearth new market opportunities, and learn how to tap into issues such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, that will help them grow consumer demand and ensure product success.

A booming market 

More than 170 suppliers from Asia and beyond are preparing to present their latest ingredients and raw materials at Vitafoods Asia to upwards of 2,500 visitors. Exhibitors include ADM, CHR Hansen, Epax, Huisong Pharmaceuticals, and Malaysian Biotech Corporation, who are all offering their market expertise to aide product developers in creating consumer-winning products.

In addition to this, visitors can also gain crucial information on key topics and trends that can be used to enhance marketing and business strategy. A growing middle class, rising ageing populations, soaring obesity rates, and the arrival of western companies and investment are all propelling demand in this dynamic region. Meanwhile, ASEAN harmonisation, as well as harmonisation between China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, will open up more opportunities for business in a region which is known for its complex regulatory environment.

Now in its fourth year, Vitafoods Asia has established itself as a platform for showcasing the most recent innovations to hit the market. This year’s event is once again geared towards highlighting the industry’s latest ingredients, products, technologies and research so that visitors can gain product inspiration.

The New Product Zone helps visitors pinpoint ingredients that have been launched in the last 12 months, including cholesterol-reducing capsules that include red yeast rice, fenugreek, and garlic.

Retailers and distributors can also discover shelf-ready products in the Finished Products Pavilion, where suppliers from Asia and beyond showcase a range of functional food and drink products. The Tasting Bar brings the consumer experience to life, allowing visitors to trial and compare products across a range of categories – this year’s crop includes a natural fruit sweetener as an alternative to white sugar, protein-packed hazelnut cookies, and vitamin jellies for children.

Premiere events

New for 2014 is the Market Insights Hub, a seminar theatre that offers access to industry specialists from the likes of the China Healthcare Association, Euromonitor, Frost & Sullivan, The Healthy Marketing Team, and Mintel. These free-to-attend sessions are designed to offer impartial insight on the latest innovations, emerging trends, and how to access specific geographical markets, that attendees can use to improve their business strategies and operations.

Also new for 2014 is the Innovation Station, in partnership with Mintel, which acts as a global guide featuring the latest trends and product development in beauty and weight management ingredients – two key categories for the future of nutraceuticals. Visitors can hear from Mintel analysts as they provide interactive demonstrations on products that deliver benefits in these areas, while a product showcase also highlights a range of concepts from around the world that use innovative ingredient claims for beauty and slimming benefits.

Regulation is just one of the industry’s buzzwords and visitors and exhibitors have plenty on offer to help them better understand complex legislation that differs throughout the region. For one-to-one advice on specific pieces of legislation, visitors can book free Regulatory Advisory Sessions with EAS Strategic Advice, during which specialists walk attendees through labelling and health claim law around Asia Pacific.