Jan 26 2012 --- Vitafoods South America will make its debut in São Paulo from 28-29 March 2012, in response to the region’s rapidly growing functional foods and drinks market, estimated to be worth $4bn (Euromonitor).

The exhibition will provide a platform for nutraceutical professionals to meet with more than 75 leading global and local companies such as BASF, Fortitech, Bio Serae Laboratoires, Golden Omega, Croda and Ayalla helping them to source new products, partners and suppliers. 

Chris Lee, Event Director, said: “With the functional foods and drinks market booming in South America, this event will grant both local and multi-national companies an opportunity to network and  discover new products, suppliers and routes to market.

“Our extensive Conference programme will also allow food and drink professionals to come together and discuss the growth potential with the South American market as well as finding out about the latest scientific thinking and regulatory issues.  We’re delighted to have case studies from world leading companies including Pepsico and Unilever.”

The Vitafoods South America Conference will host a range of 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).

More than 40 presentations will take a look at the legislation, marketing strategies and market dynamics of the region.  Highlights include Carlos Otero from Euromonitor presenting on the first morning of the show on conquering new markets and the Brazilian perception towards the concept of health. This will be followed by a debate on the functional foods market with representatives from ABIAD and the Brazilian Association of Nutrology sharing their insights on the subject. 

Ainhoa Larrañaga, Regional Regulatory Affairs Manager of the EAS Latin America office and Elodie Lebastard, Food Law Manager at EAS Europe, will take a look at trends in the functional food market in Latin America and Europe including product classifications, labelling and nutrition and health claims, plus a range of experts from global brands such as Danone, Danisco and Kraft Foods will debate the challenges and opportunities of the registration process of ‘new food’, food with functional claims and new ingredients.


The Conference will also analyse the scientific elements of the functional food and drinks market. Franco Lajolo from USP will evaluate health claims and and the relationship with Brazilian science and legislation plus a whole host of leading professionals will look at the benefits of fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6.    

The New Products Zone will give visitors the opportunity to see the latest industry products and innovations. A first stop for many visitors to the event, it always provides a valuable tool in helping them to plan their trip over the course of the two days.

International food and nutrition policy experts EAS join Vitafoods South America to provide visitors with the unique opportunity for complimentary one-on-one regulatory advice sessions tailored to the specific needs of their companies. This includes up-to-date regulatory and strategic advice on product formulas, labelling and claims to assist with their marketing plans across both Latin America and Europe. Interested companies should visit the Vitafoods South America website to book their complimentary 20 minute slot.

At 12.15 on the second day of the show, David Pineda Ereño, the Regional Director of the EAS Latin America office in Buenos Aires, will chair the Discussion Forum which will analyse the developments and key challenges ahead in bringing functional foods to the Latin American market.

The forum will bring together a panel of leading experts in regulation and marketing, and is designed as an opportunity for marketing experts to immerse themselves in the regulatory issues that their companies are facing.
To register for free entry to the exhibition or to book delegate places please visit http://www.vitafoodssouthamerica.com/register