Visitors to the upcoming Vitafoods Asia Exhibition and Conference in Singapore, 11-12 September 2018, will discover a rich learning environment to discover all aspects of the development and application of nutraceuticals, through to product positioning, branding and marketing, inclusive of how to overcome regulatory challenges in various markets.

Health care spending in the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to double by 2050, opening opportunities to market alternative remedies and fortified foods.

Across Asia, and especially in China and India, increased disposable income, coupled with ageing populations, are impacting the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, along with blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiac diseases. Inadequate nutrition, due to busy lifestyles, and the high cost of healthcare are also factors. Joint health, gut health, bone health and weight management are expected to be future demand drivers.

Asia Pacific is now the largest regional market for dietary supplements and vitamins. Malaysia and India for instance, are grappling with the impact of rapid urbanisation on the diet. Demand functional, hearty-healthy foods, for example, is rising.

Aside from products developed in Western societies, across the region, consumers are buying products that are enriched with locally-sourced compounds and functional ingredients like probiotics, fibre, calcium or vitamin E; herbs such as tongkat ali and ginseng; along with cultured milk drinks; probiotic yogurts; and cereals that are fortified with fibre; plus, Omega-3 fortified eggs.

Vitafoods Asia showcases key suppliers of such ingredients and raw materials that are used in functional foods. Alongside these suppliers, visitors to the exhibition can source contract manufacturers and private labellers, as well as finished goods manufacturers.

To tackle alertness and reduce calorie consumption, as well as hydrate with performance additives, athletes and gym enthusiasts in countries like China and India are driving demand for nutrition through functional beverages.

Energy drinks, sports drinks & nutraceutical drinks are the fastest growing segment of the functional beverage market. Due to its efficient delivery of minerals or herbs, functional beverages are emerging to help reduce the risk of chronic disease and to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Drinks ingredients include vitamins, amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Amino acids are used to slow fatigue and vitamins are added to boost the metabolism and generate energy in functional beverages.

Prebiotics and probiotics are also used to ensure proper functioning of the digestive system. Another ingredient, Omega-3, is forecast to grow in the functional beverages market as it controls inflammation. At Vitafoods Asia, there’s an Omega-3 Resource Centre where visitors can witness the latest innovations and product development initiatives around Omega-3.

Manufacturers in this market segment are developing innovative flavours to appeal to consumers with drinks that are safe, taste good and are affordable. Key functional beverage manufacturers are exhibiting at the Vitafoods Asia Exhibition.

Addressing Malnutrition

In countries like Japan and Thailand, where despite relatively healthy diets, there are mineral and vitamin deficiencies in the population. In Thailand, Calcium and Vitamin D are issues, and doctors are prescribing supplements.

The Japanese lack calcium and iron, so there is a corresponding seeing rise in demand for probiotic yogurts and energy drinks.

At the Global Health Theatre at Vitafoods Asia, the impact of the modern lifestyle on nutrition and diseases, and how food fortification is addressing these issues, will be discussed industry experts. Responsible nutrition, importance of fortification & fortified foods, impact on the glycaemic index, as well as the packaging of nutraceuticals into functional foods, will be discussed, among other topics.

Food fortification

As scientific research evolves around issues such as obesity and disease, as the impact of nutrition on pre-natal and maternal life stages, sports and aging evolves, the way we approach these issues is changing. You can stay abreast of the latest research by attending the Life Stages Theatre at Vitafoods Asia, where you will hear from researchers and functional food developers alike.

Processing food to protect bioactive ingredients

At the Vitafoods Asia exhibition, visitors will learn how processes such as microencapsulation, enzyme technology, and nanoencapsulation of ingredients are being used to produce functional foods. Of late, microencapsulation technology has been developed to replace cyclodextrin (CD) molecules to protect the bioactive elements in food processing through to the storage and delivery of functional foods.

Notably, product formulation for the delivery of nutraceuticals is changing. For example, Indian consumers are driving change from traditional tablets, or chewable tablets, to capsules, particularly liquid-filled capsules, which are easier to swallow and are believed to work faster and better.

Obtaining the right advice

A dedicated area, the Industry Advice Zone, is available for visitors to meet with industry experts in one to one consultation sessions, for regulatory advice, market access information and strategies, and marketing and innovation profiling.

The Vitafoods Asia Conference is another chance to learn from academia, government and industry leaders.  Structured to help participants maximise their learning in line with their career interests, dedicated conference tracks will guide participants towards talks on research and development, business and marketing strategies, and digestive health.