The fifth edition of Vitafoods Asia, the only event dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional food and beverages and dietary supplement industries in Asia, attracted 2,345 visitors to the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.

Visitors represented brands such as Dole, Vitasoy, A.S. Watsons, Blackmores, and PepsiCo, as well as an increasing number of distributors actively seeking ingredients, raw materials and finished products.

 “There were some recurring themes in our conversations with people at the event, such as the idea of managing transitions between life stages, the probiotics segment, and the immense interest in regulatory updates,” said Chris Lee, Vitafoods portfolio director.

He added, “We’re very heartened to repeatedly see full-house attendance at the Global Market Theatre sessions, and to receive positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike on the new Tasting Bar Awards. Above all, however, what’s most fulfilling for us is the general sense that our event has facilitated business, and therefore met the industry’s needs and expectations.”

At the newly initiated Global Market Theatre, attendees were offered thorough market overviews, regulatory framework workshops, as well as the latest advances in R&D.

Presented as how-to guides, these complimentary sessions empowered visitors with the knowledge to plan their market entry strategies for specific countries (China, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia) and regions (Europe and the USA).

One of Vitafoods Asia’s most popular visitor attractions, the New Products Zone, showcased more than 75 functional food and drinks, dietary supplements, ingredients and raw materials by international manufacturers.

Also getting attention on the showfloor were the Tasting Bar and the inaugural Best Functional Beverage and Best Functional Food Awards.

Located within the Finished Products Pavilion, the bar housed a total of 16 food items and 10 drinks, which contended for visitors’ votes over the two-day event. Attendees were free to sample and compare a selection of the finished products on display at the show.

 In addition, a closed-door session for senior Chinese hosted buyers was organised for them to meet with a select group of exhibitors at Vitafoods Asia.

The Vitafoods Asia Conference returned with a brand new format and an increase in content offering in its second run this year. Focused on the theme of ‘Translating Science into Good Business’, the conference had content divided into two distinct, parallel streams – ‘Your Business’ & ‘Your Science’ – that ran concurrently. Delegates were able to attend sessions under either track, which allowed them to customise their learning accordingly.

The sixth edition of Vitafoods Asia will be held Sept. 1-2 at the AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong.