Vitafoods Asia 2014: Pan-Asia’s Only Nutraceutical Exhibition Returns

21 May 2014 --- Returning in 2014, Vitafoods Asia is the only Pan-Asian exhibition dedicated exclusively to the nutraceutical industry and with more exhibitors, features and presentations from industry leaders than previous editions, the show is expected to be bigger than ever.

Asia offers a wealth of opportunity for nutraceutical and functional food suppliers as awareness of and interest in the positive link between diet and health grows rapidly.

The region’s demand is being driven by the ever-growing number of high earning, middle class consumers who seek solutions to health and well-being issues. There is also massive potential for market-savvy companies to exploit the as yet untapped potential for functional food and drinks.
 
This year’s Vitafoods Asia (3-4 September, 2014) returns to Hong Kong, exploring these regional macro trends, while also showcasing the latest innovative products and ingredients to identify new areas of opportunity. Exhibitors will gather from across the globe and include the likes of Bionov and Kaneka and International Pavilions will showcase exhibitor’s from countries such as Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.
 
Chris Lee, Vitafoods Portfolio Director, says: “Now in its fourth year, the 2014 show cements its reputation as the essential date in the nutraceutical and functional foods diary in Asia. We always strive to be at the forefront of the industry sparking discussion among our visitors and exhibitors. This year we’ve introduced a host of new visitor features and expanded existing visitor attractions that delve even deeper into the trends and issues affecting this dynamic market.”
 
Running alongside the exhibition, the Vitafoods Asia Conference is the only conference in Asia exclusively dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional and fortified food and drinks sector and features leading speakers from around the world over two days of presentations.
 
The Vitafoods Asia Conference’s modular format allows visitors to choose those presentations most relevant to their businesses so they can make the most of their time at the show. Uncovering the latest in hot topics such as food safety following high profile health scares, weight management in reaction to the region's obesity crisis and how halal certification is key to success in certain markets, the conference is set to offer delegates plenty of food for thought. Speakers span research and technical backgrounds, with Natasha D’Costa from Frost & Sullivan, Prof Nagendra Shah of the Hong Kong University, Prof Zhen-Yu Chen at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Prof Chau Chi Fai from the National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan, just some of the speakers already in the line-up.
 
Taking place on the second day of Vitafoods Asia (4th September), the Business Leaders Networking Breakfast is an exclusive event for just 30 senior professionals. Chaired by Mr Pushpanathan Sundram, MD, EAS Strategic Advice and former Deputy Director ASEAN, it offers the opportunity to discuss and debate business opportunities across the region but also regulatory issues. One of the topics at the top of the agenda is ASEAN harmonisation set for 2015, offering opinion on removing the technical barriers to trade between countries as well as promoting awareness around scientific and regulatory issues.
 
Building on the success of last year's Nutrition Innovation Award, this year introduces two more industry accolades – Innovative Ingredient and Best New Finished Product.

Recognising and rewarding technical advancement and scientific benefit, the Awards also credit those manufacturers designing products with specific health benefits to help end users.
 
Popular visitor attractions returning to Vitafoods Asia include the Seminar Theatre, which hosts presentations from leading associations, research analysts and suppliers including the likes of the ASEAN Alliance of Health Supplement Associations, who will be discussing the ASEAN Harmonisation process and the opportunities this presents for the nutraceutical industry. EAS regulatory advisory sessions will also return, providing visitors with free one-to-one regulatory advice catered to the specific needs of their company.
 
Vitafoods Asia also offers exhibiting companies an expanded platform to showcase NPD. The New Products Zone is a showcase of new products launched to the functional food and drinks market in the last 12 months. For the first time, alongside the New Products Zone are Innovation Spotlights, where visitors can hear expert opinions about the latest innovation on display and trends in the region from market leading research companies.
 
Visitors can see ingredients as fully formed products at the exhibition in the Finished Products Pavilion, dedicated to suppliers of supplements, functional food and drinks or private label services. The Tasting Bar, which has expanded for this year’s edition, sits within the Finished Products Pavilion and allows attendees to see, touch, smell and taste new products.
 
“We're expecting this year's show to attract more visitors than ever, creating the region's most important calendar event for like-minded businesses and professionals to swap ideas and insight,” adds Lee, Vitafoods Portfolio Director. “The addition of the Vitafoods Asia Conference and Business Leaders Networking Breakfast puts the show at the centre of thought-leadership in nutraceuticals and functional foods in Asia amongst the industry's top professionals.”