While countries around the globe cautiously roll back restrictions, opening different parts of the economy and lifting some travel restrictions, businesses remain conservative in their approach to market. However, the nutraceutical industry has seen great demand as consumers continue to seek ways to bolster their health and well-being in challenging times. As such, buyers and sellers are seeking a forum to network, educate and grow their business.
“Innovation and connection are critical to the Vitafoods community; we’ve seen how the health and nutrition industry are seeking new ways to discover new products, foster connections and support their business,” says Chris Lee, Managing Director, Health & Nutrition Network at Informa Markets. “We’re pleased to present the Vitafoods Virtual Expo, which will offer a new way to connect industry experts and support businesses in overcoming challenges in this new environment today and building a footprint for everyone’s digital evolution in the future."
Vitafoods Virtual Expo is a large-scale interactive virtual event for the global health and nutrition community with intelligent connectivity, empowering insights and inspiring innovation, running from 7-11 September. It will be followed by the Vitafoods Virtual Summit, a premium content programme in three key market categories, taking place 15-17 September.
The goal of Vitafoods Virtual Expo is to provide a digital marketplace where the nutraceutical community can discover and showcase new products and innovations, connect with new and existing business partners, and share knowledge and best practices. This includes intelligent connectivity through data-driven matchmaking, fully supportedconcierge services and secure 1-2-1 video meetings; sourcing abilities delivered by a trusted global brand that serves buyers and suppliers; science and research that inspires innovation; and content exploring trends, insights and regulatory considerations. Different levels of participation for exhibitors allow companies to meet their business needs and objectives, with all companies benefitting from arranged concierge-led matchmaking, product showcasing, on-demand content, searchable access and much more.
Content is a cornerstone of brand credibility, and is a self-fulfilling filter for the right visitor participation. All Vitafoods Virtual Expo registrants can enjoy the high-quality content, whether through the Main Stage or in thematic micro-communities. On the main stage, keynote presentations include “Updated guidelines on health claims for Europe” with Hans Verhagen, University of Ulster; “Nutraceutical State of the Nation” market research with Mike Hughes, FMCG Gurus; “Racial injustice in the context of climate justice” featuring Robyn O’Brien, Replant Capital; and “How COVID-19 has impacted innovation in the health and nutrition industry” presented by Jeremy Basset, CO:CUBED. Afternoon fireside chats bring the Vitafoods Insights team together with industry thought leaders including Dr Rob Winwood, Winwood Consultancy; Sophie Medlin, CityDieticians; and Dr Matthew Zhao and Dr Dalal Alghawas, Big Idea Ventures. The programme will also include sponsored on-demand webinars; virtual yoga classes; New Ingredient and New Product Zones; and much more.
Within the Vitafoods Virtual Expo, the thematic micro-communities are designed to attract attendees with similar areas of interest and ease the process of discovery. Visitors can discover ingredients and suppliers, network with like-minded peers, learn about trends and science, and uncover innovation. Micro-communities include Botanicals, Cognitive Health, Contract Manufacturing, Healthy Ageing, Immune Health, Omega-3s, Probiotics, and Sports Nutrition. Visitors to each micro-community can attend live presentations by industry experts; enjoy on-demand sponsored webinars; listen to an Innovation Tour in podcast format; download a special thematic report from Vitafoods Insights; participate in speed networking; peruse digital product displays; and search a thematic exhibitor list.
The week following Vitafoods Virtual Expo is Vitafoods Virtual Summit, a premium content programme with top-level minds sharing intelligence and discussing current market challenges. The four-hour summits will include live presentations by global researchers and industry experts, moderated Q&A, panel discussions, and thematic roundtable breakouts allowing peer-to-peer learnings. Sessions include “Personalised nutrition: Innovation through science and technology” (15 September); “Transforming gut health: Immune support, synbiotics, and market evolution” (16 September); and “The CBD story: Past learnings and future opportunities” (17 September).
