Sustainability to star at Vitafoods Europe 2019

19 Mar 2019 --- A core theme at this year’s Vitafoods Europe, held in Geneva, Switzerland (7-9 May), will be how the industry can move towards a more “sustainable future.” On the agenda are issues such as sustainable sourcing in addition to wider trends including free-from, plant-based ingredients, as well as hemp extracts and cannabidiol (CBD). The show, coined the“nutraceutical industry’s meeting point,” is to host more than 1,200 global suppliers of active ingredients, raw materials, services and equipment and is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a demand from consumers and the industry alike. With this in mind, Vitafoods is adding to its portfolio a range of new features, such as a Sustainability Square which will showcase the latest consumer and market insights from across the industry, allowing visitors to make “informed and future-focused buying decisions.”

“Our goal with Vitafoods Europe 2019 is to bring the community together and open the discussion about the challenges and opportunities ahead. This way, we hope to encourage collaboration across the entire nutraceutical industry and affect the move towards true circularity,” says Chris Lee, Managing Director, Global Health and Nutrition Network at Informa Exhibitions.

“Sustainability is a crucial influencer in the purchasing decision-making process for consumers who are becoming more health and environmentally-conscious. This and the need to provide enough food supply for a growing population, has led us to identify the sustainability of the industry as a key concern and opportunity for the nutraceutical industry,” Lee notes.

Another new feature is Regulatory Clinic, in which the event organizers have invited experts from the European Federation of Associations of Health Products Manufacturers (EHPM) to offer one-on-one consultations. The move aims to dispel confusion around newly introduced or updated EU and global regulations and offer manufacturers a chance to accelerate the process to market.

In addition, a Clinical Trials Zone is set to offer guidance on clinical trial processes, while a Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable will discuss “the importance of establishing diversity in the workforce to create an inclusive environment and the benefits this will bring.”

The Vitafoods Education Program is returning this year as well, with a more “flexible structure.” The program will see 11 summits running throughout the event and over 50 industry experts who will discuss breakout trends and the latest study findings relating to the industry.