Jan 25 2012 --- The most important global event to concentrate exclusively on nutraceuticals, raw materials, and functional food and drink ingredients, Vitafoods Europe, is set to celebrate its fifteenth anniversary, when it takes place from 22-24 May 2012 Palexpo, Geneva

The event, which has gained an international reputation for innovation within the nutraceuticals industry, is co-located with Finished Products Expo, Europe’s leading dietary supplements event.

With four months to go until Vitafoods Europe opens, stand space is nearly sold out, meaning exhibitors don’t have long to sign up to the packed event and showcase their latest innovations and product to an expected audience of more than 10,000 international visitors.

Delegates attending this year’s Conference will benefit from cutting-edge insights, shared by heads of leading global universities, academies, research bodies and commercial organisations, into the latest scientific findings. These include new sessions on a variety of topics, including gut health, physical performance and beauty foods.

For the first time, the the newly-created Vitafoods Europe Conference Executive Advisory Board, which consists of industry experts from around the globe, has asked scientists, research teams and commercial managers to submit conference papers in their area of expertise to be considered for inclusion within the three-day programme. The Executive Advisory Board is currently reviewing all submissions and will announce the full programme by early February. 

“The conference has been a respected forum for scientific developments for a number of years, but with the peer-reviewed content we’re confident the programme for 2012 will have sessions to help R+D, brand and corporate management in developing new products in new markets,” commented Lynne Evans, Conference Producer.

In addition to the scientific and commercial sessions at the conference, Poster Sessions on the show floor will give researchers an opportunity to share their innovative projects with other potential collaborators, researchers or commercial partners or investors.

Exhibitors also have the chance to demonstrate their latest products before an engaged, targeted audience at the Supplier Seminars, while the New Products Zone will act as a guide map for visitors wishing to plan a route that encompasses new products of interest. Additionally, VitaTrend (presented by Innova Market Insights) will feature a series of presentations examining key trends in the functional food ingredients sector.

The international food and nutrition policy consultancy European Advisory Services (EAS) will once again offer visitors free regulatory advice in one-on-one sessions tailored to the needs of their companies. These will include the latest regulatory and strategic advice on product formulas and labeling to assist with marketing plans. 

Visitors, exhibitors, delegates and speakers will all gather at the Vitafoods Europe Discussion Forum, chaired by Simon Pettman from EAS and featuring a panel of leading experts in the fields of marketing, regulation, ingredients and finished products.

International Pavilions will provide visitors with new suppliers and local products from regions throughout the world including China, France, India, Belgium, Serbia, Korea and the USA, while the Service Pavilion will help visitors source new manufacturing facilities.

Finished Products Expo will also host its own dedicated features, including the ever-buzzing Tasting Bar @ FPE, which offers visitors the opportunity to sample the latest innovations in the functional food and drinks market and vote on the best product in each category.

The event will also feature a New Products Zone, offering visitors a guide to where the latest innovations are being showcased, while experts from EAS will be on-hand to offer up-to-date regulatory advice on product formulas, labelling and claims. Visitors to both events will benefit from a Wi-Fi lounge, allowing them to stay connected at all times.

“We’re very proud to be celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of Vitafoods Europe by creating an exciting and innovative programme for both shows,” says Event Director Chris Lee.

“Vitafoods Europe has been so successful because we’ve worked to adapt and evolve the show each year. We hope to draw on this rich heritage to deliver two informative exhibitions that are once again considered the year’s must-attend events for the nutraceutical and dietary supplement industries.”

For further details about Vitafoods Europe and Finished Products Expo, visit www.vitafoods.eu.com or www.finishedproductsexpo.com.