Vitafoods Europe 2025: Nexira to unveil GLP-1 collection and new beauty-from-within research

At the upcoming Vitafoods Europe trade show (May 20–22) in Barcelona, Spain, Nexira will feature its natural solutions for healthy weight management, women’s health, beauty-from-within, and prebiotics. The company will also share new clinical data on its olive extract for skin health.

Ahead of the show, Nutrition Insight sits down with Julie Imperato, marketing and communication manager at Nexira, to discuss the company’s new GLP-1 Collection on display, clinical data, and sustainable botanicals as the company celebrates its 130th anniversary.

“Our long-standing focus on weight management continues to evolve, supporting consumers in their journey toward healthier lifestyles with scientifically backed, plant-based solutions,” says Imperato. 

“We are committed to advancing women’s health, addressing their unique nutritional needs at every stage of life, from urinary health to skin hydration. This is a rapidly growing segment, and we are excited to leverage our natural expertise to deliver impactful solutions.”

She also notes that longevity and healthy aging are becoming increasingly important for consumers seeking to live healthier, more vibrant lives well into their later years. “Nexira is dedicated to developing innovative ingredients that support vitality, resilience, and overall well-being.”

In daily “Pitch and Coffee” sessions at its booth, Nexira experts will engage with visitors on its GLP-1 collection, olive extract for graceful aging, and gut microbiota and precision prebiotic fibers. 

Healthy weight management

At Nexira’s booth (3J64), the company will unveil its GLP-1 Collection, including Carolean, a patent-pending ingredient derived from cactus and carob. 

“Our GLP-1 Collection stands out by embracing a fully natural, botanical-based approach, designed to complement the body’s natural processes, with a holistic approach,” says Imperato. 

She explains that Carolean leverages years of R&D to offer an innovative solution for appetite control and GLP-1 promotion. “Carolean supports natural GLP-1 secretion, a key hormone for regulating appetite and satiety.”

Nexira’s GLP-1 Collection features Carolean, which supports natural secretion of the key hormone for regulating appetite and satiety.“While GLP-1 medications offer substantial benefits, they are often associated with side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, lean muscle mass loss, and reduced energy levels,” Imperato notes. 

“Nexira provides natural alternatives to alleviate these discomforts. Ingredients like acacia fiber support gut health, rice and carob proteins help preserve muscle mass, while ginseng and guarana provide natural energy and focus.”

New clinical trial findings

Nexira will also highlight new research on Oli-Ola, a natural olive extract standardized in polyphenols that has antioxidant and anti-aging effects. 

The company notes that clinical trials demonstrate the extract’s benefits in enhanced skin elasticity, reduced water loss, and melasma improvement. “Nutrigenomics reveals activation of antioxidant genes for long-term skin health.”

Imperato details that Nexira recently conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 132 women aged 40–60 with phototypes II–IV (white to olive or light brown skin) living in urban environments. Participants consumed 800 mg/day of Oli-Ola 5% hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol for three months. 

The study found a 13% increase in skin elasticity compared to baseline and placebo. Imperato adds that the product resulted in “enhanced skin hydration, with -12% trans-epidermal water loss.”

Moreover, the trial found “notable skin improvements” — 57% of participants noticed reduced imperfections, and 80% reported enhanced radiance in their complexions. Imperato adds that 87% of participants expressed full enjoyment. 

In addition, the company will highlight its cranberry extract line, Exocyan, for women’s health. Nexira says this range is scientifically validated to improve urinary comfort and quality of life. 

Vitafoods sustainability award nominee

Nexira has been shortlisted for the Vitafoods Innovation Award for Sustainability for its Acacia Program and prebiotic range inavea, based on acacia gum. This competition program at the show spotlights advancements in functional ingredients, innovative formulations, and sustainable solutions.

“Since the 1970s, Nexira has been committed to sustainability,” says Imperato. “Since 2009, Nexira has worked in partnership with the NGO SOS Sahel, finished product brands, and local organizations to support sustainable acacia forest development.” 

Julie Imperato, marketing and communication manager at Nexira.She explains that the company’s Acacia Program combines economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. “It aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing climate action, life on land, partnerships, and gender equity.” 

In 2020, Nexira launched inavea, the first carbon-neutral acacia range. “The brand offers organic-certified ingredients and achieves a carbon-neutral footprint, enabling customers to reach zero-emission targets. Additionally, inavea provides proven health benefits for nutritional foods and beverages.”

Imperato notes that inavea and the company’s acacia fiber range, Fibregum, offer a full spectrum of precision prebiotic fibers for tailored gut health support. 

“Our different references cover the specific needs of customers and consumers: high fiber content, optimized dosage, dedicated reference to be paired with probiotics, or optimized one for a high solubility in stick packs. These ingredients bring personalized solutions with organic and carbon-neutral options.” 

130 years of Nexira

This year, Nexira is celebrating its 130th anniversary. Imperato says this marks a symbolic milestone that reinforces the company’s strategic vision for the future, particularly in the food and health industries. 

“This anniversary strengthens the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international expansion through its Ambitions 2030 plan.” 

Nexira’s strategic Ambitions 2030 roadmap aims to accelerate the group’s international expansion and reinforce its position in the B2B market for natural ingredients. The plan focuses on managerial evolution and governance, diversification, innovation and development, and consolidation and structuring. 

Imperato concludes: “With a heritage spanning over a century and recognized expertise in natural plant-based ingredients like acacia, Nexira intends to pursue its pioneering role in providing natural, healthy, and responsible solutions for future generations, by establishing itself as a leader in natural plant solutions for the food and health industries.”