Vitafoods South America 2012 to Discuss Regional Opportunities

In the last five years, the market for functional foods and drinks has increased by approximately 82% and is expected to expand a further 39% by 2014, making next year an ideal time for the launch of the event.

Nov 23 2011 --- The organisers of Vitafoods South America are gearing up for the first and largest conference and exhibition dedicated to the functional and nutraceutical food industries to take place in the region.

In the last five years, the market for functional foods and drinks has increased by approximately 82% and is expected to expand a further 39% by 2014, making next year an ideal time for the launch of the event. Professionals from across the industry will gather at the Frei Caneca Convention Center in São Paulo, Brazil, on 28-29 March 2012 to hear the latest regulatory updates and discover new distributors and producers.

This event comprises an exhibition and the Vitafoods South America Conference. The exhibition features leading global nutraceutical ingredients companies such as BASF, Fortitech, Bio Serae Laboratoires, Golden Omega, Croda, and many others. The conference, which features both marketing and scientific sessions, will include speakers from institutions including Anvisa (National Agency of Sanitary Defense), Bunge, Danone, Embrapa, Pepsico, Unilever, Nestlé Institute Health Science, State University of Campinas (Unicamp) and the University of São Paulo (USP).

“We’re excited to be bringing together national, regional and global experts to discuss the issues and growth potential offered by the thriving South American market”, commented Chris Lee, event director of the Vitafoods portfolio worldwide. “Many new products will be on show for the first time in Brazil, making the exhibition a must-attend for all professionals in the functional food and nutraceutical industries.”

More than 40 conference presentations will discuss the legislation, marketing strategies and market dynamics of the region and its growth potential. Delegates will be able to learn about the regulations in South American countries; how to identify the customer; evaluate the health benefits, or the possible health claims; and how to prepare reports for the regulatory agencies. Dr. Denise de Oliveira Resende, general manager of Anvisa, has already confirmed her involvement in the Conference. A renowned food specialist, she will help delegates understand the regulatory issues and how they can help their business strategy.

Delegates can also attend a workshop by Professor and Dr. Mauro Fisberg, from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) about “overweight and obesity in Brazil – the need for nutritional change based on the need of the population”.