Symrise continues to develop its health expertise with the launch of a new range of aronia health actives. The range contains an aronia extract and aronia juice powder, both standardized in polyphenols and anthocyanins. The company has filed a patent application for the aronia extract, which has a unique polyphenols profile in addition to strong multiple cellular antioxidant effects. This range expands the diana food^™ portfolio of health actives, which forms a part of the Taste, Nutrition & Health segment.

Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa), also known as black chokeberry, contains a high concentration of potent antioxidants such as polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins. Plants produce these antioxidants to protect themselves from environmental stress. While few consumers know aronia, this little berry can be characterized as a superfruit and thus as a key component of the better-for-you health trend. Literature has well-documented the antioxidative properties of aronia. This relates specifically to cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and immune system support. Symrise has demonstrated the specific cellular antioxidative properties of the aronia extract on different cell types, including intestinal cells, using a novel cellular model.

Under the diana food^™ portfolio brand of health actives, the aronia extract comes with a unique polyphenols profile: high total polyphenolic content, high proanthocyanins content, and a specific proanthocyanidins-to-anthocyanins ratio. The carrier-free, free-flowing aronia extract in powder form features a minimum of both fifty percent total polyphenols and ten percent anthocyanins. Suggested applications include capsules, tablets, powder sticks, nutritional shots, and supplement gummies. The spray-dried, soluble aronia juice powder features a minimum of both two percent total polyphenols and 0.2 percent anthocyanins. Applications for the juice powder include powder drinks, healthy beverages, snacks, and foods.

Proactive health concerns are at the forefront of purchasing decisions across all generations, according to Kerry, one of the world’s leading taste and nutrition companies.

Kerry research shows that consumers in all age groups are interested in food and beverages with functional benefits – with demand for immune support, joint health and digestive health particularly high.¹

The insights are contained in the company’s new eBook, ‘Functional Health Benefits for Every Generation’, which highlights growing proactivity around nutrition and the expansion in markets for products targeting specific life stages and other demographic categories, such as gender.

It explores the needs of three groups in particular:

• Millennial parents: Millennials, who are now parents to around half of children in the US, are particularly likely to carry out extensive research ahead of purchases.
• Young actives: Focus areas for Generation Z consumers and younger millennials include athletic performance, education and work. They have a holistic approach to wellness and are interested in benefits such as improved sleep.
• Older adults: As consumers enter their 40s and 50s their focus shifts, with greater emphasis on physical and cognitive health.
• The research also found that demographic factors affect demand for benefits in particular applications. For example, for consumers in the older millennial category and upwards, tea and coffee are popular platforms for immune support.²

John Quilter, Kerry’s VP of ProActive Health, said: “Across all age ranges, consumers are now looking for functional benefits from their favorite food and beverages. However, it’s also true that different groups often have different needs, so an understanding of the importance of demographic factors like age and activity level can help manufacturers create on-trend products. For example, manufacturers should use functional ingredients that are supported by research as well as appealing to children’s tastes to win over millennial parents.”

The eBook also highlights the range of value that Kerry offers its customers through collaborative go-to-market support. This includes proprietary market insights, access to a team of more than 1000 scientists, nutritionists, product formulation experts and marketers around the world. It features case studies where partners have formulated with ingredients from the ProActive Health portfolio to create innovative functional products.

Download the eBook by clicking here.

¹Kerry Global Consumer Survey, Digestive, Immune and Joint Health, 2021
²Kerry Global Consumer Survey, Digestive, Immune and Joint Health, 2021

Top 4 megatrends shaping global beverages in the year ahead

TREATT take a look at the top 4 megatrends set to shape the future of the beverage industry, sharing the latest global data and insights.

For each megatrend TREATT get closer to the key drivers affecting consumer behaviour, what this means for beverages across the world and helps to answer your questions around consumer trends.

The megatrends are:

1. Health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing has morphed from a trend to a way of life but remains a key motivator of consumer behaviour globally. From the silent generation to Gen Z, all are embracing both a preventative and curative approach to health in a holistic and more personalised way than ever before. Across the CPG landscape TREATT is witnessing a rapid evolution of this megatrend.

2. Sustainability and ethics

The health of the planet is now the top consumer concern. There is a mounting awareness and concern surrounding the scale, complexity, and interdependence of shared social and environmental challenges globally. As the pandemic continues to highlight global inequalities, sustainability and ethical consumption concerns will only increase in significance and further impact consumer purchasing behaviours.

3. Sensory and indulgence

Consumers are seeking enjoyment beyond tangible products themselves. They are becoming more “experience-driven” and are willing to pay more for an enhanced brand experience. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for brands to perform at an experiential level, and offer varied, novel, and complex sensations for optimal enjoyment.

4. Digital lifestyles

Shopping and consumption patterns continue to evolve at a rapid pace in our digital world. In a hyper-connected, technology-enabled society, consumers seamlessly integrate the use of multiple technologies into their lives an d buying behaviour.

Please access the full Global Beverage Megatrends Report under: https://www.treatt.com/resources/top-4-mega-trends

Leveraging Brightseed’s artificial intelligence, Ocean Spray will unlock new compounds inside the Cranberry, powering next generation health innovation in the superfruit’s healthy product line

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, and Brightseed, an A.I.-led biosciences company recognized as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, announced an agreement to leverage Brightseed’s A.I., Forager^®, to profile the compounds in cranberries and surface new connections between cranberries and human health. The collaboration with Brightseed puts Ocean Spray on the path to having the world’s most comprehensive nutritional profile of the cranberry — including the cranberries’ previously unknown bioactive compounds and potential health benefits.

“Similar to how different grapes produce different wine varietals, each cranberry strain can be extraordinarily diverse in their phytochemical composition, resulting in different colours, flavour nuances, size, and a trove of health-promoting bioactive compounds,” said Katy Galle, Senior Vice President of Research & Development at Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. “Our agreement with Brightseed puts us on a path to profiling our cranberry varieties and understanding their health potential like never before. The insights from this agreement will support us as we continue to innovate healthy products for our consumers, in addition to informing how we grow, separate, and treat our cranberries to optimize for target health benefits and sustainability.”

Cranberries have long been considered a superfruit and are celebrated as a rich source of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. “Some of the cranberry’s potent health benefits are well-known, including their impact on bladder and kidney function. With over 100 cranberry varieties, the vast majority of compounds in cranberries have never been explored for their impact in the human body, however, they carry enormous potential to open up new dimensions for health and wellness.”

According to Christina Khoo, Director Emerging Science, Nutrition and Regulatory Affairs at Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., leveraging the A.I Forager to deep dive into the bioactive components in cranberry varietals helped accelerate Ocean Spray’s innovation activities to evaluate exciting health benefits of cranberries including immunity and cognitive health and build the scientific evidence.

“We are thrilled at the early findings of this discovery work which is showcasing how important crop diversity and growing practices are for bioactive content and expression,” said Sofia Elizondo, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Brightseed. “The question Forager is able to answer is not just ‘what is in a cranberry?’ but also ‘what is different about all these cranberry varieties?’ With Forager’s insights, Ocean Spray’s stewardship will be taken to the next level and so will consumer comprehension of what a cranberry can do for health.”

Forager, Brightseed’s proprietary A.I. and an R&D 100 Award winning technology, illuminates what have been traditionally opaque to science – the complex, molecular structures of plant compounds – and maps their impact on human biology. In a few months of A.I.-powered analysis on Ocean Spray’s cranberry strains, Forager found 10x more bioactive phytochemicals and 4x more phytonutrients across a sample of Ocean Spray’s cranberry varieties. Moreover, multiple cranberry strains were packed with more than 350 bioactive compound classes with promise to positively impact immunity and cognition – new territories of health benefits that were previously unknown in cranberries.

Forager’s discoveries may then be evaluated through in vitro validation and potentially human clinical trials to enable clinically proven claims for Ocean Spray’s future product innovations.

Robinsons, the UK’s number one squash brand¹, is launching a new range to help retailers capitalise on the ongoing health and wellness trend which has accelerated post pandemic². Robinsons Fruit & Barley with added vitamins enhance the current Robinsons range and has been available since the 20th October. The five flavours available include – Orange, Peach (containing vitamins B, C&D), Summer Fruits, Apple & Pear, and Pink Grapefruit (containing vitamins B&C). The added C and D vitamins will help support the immune system and the growth of strong bones and B vitamins contribute to energy release, whilst we have maintained the same great taste of Robinsons³.

The range is set to boost Robinsons’ brand growth further with 59 % of people considering their health more when they shop, following the pandemic⁴. One in five shoppers have begun taking vitamins since the start of the first lockdown, while 47 % have said they intend to eat more healthy foods to support their immune system⁵.

Ben Parker, at home commercial director at Britvic, commented: “The launch of our new Robinsons range is set to boost awareness of the overall Robinsons range and encourages shoppers to try something new this autumn.

“The new added vitamins on-pack claim will drive purchase with the growing number of health-conscious consumers. Our research shows that the Fruit & Barley range is more appealing with vitamins C and D added⁶, and over one third of squash drinkers would be interested in buying a product with added vitamins or minerals⁷. As well as the planned consumer support, we have impactful POS to enable retailers to give it plenty of focus on-shelf and make the most of the opportunity.”

The launch of the Robinsons Fruit and Barley with added vitamins range was supported by OOH, social media, digital marketing and POS, to help make the products front of mind for shoppers when in store. Stocks of the new range have been available since the 20th October in grocery with an RSP of £1.65 and produced in 100 % recycled bottles (excluding caps and labels).

¹NielsenIQ, Total, Scantrack, Value Sales, Total Coverage, Mat w.e. 28.08.21. Britvic defined, squashes category.
²Mintel – Wellness Trends to Watch in 2021 – January 2021
³All liquids have regulatory approval of reaching the minimum amount of dosage to state this claim (present at 7.5 % of the RI/100 ml.)
⁴Accenture COVID-19 Consumer Research, conducted March 19–25 and April 2–6 2020
⁵IGD ShopperVista, Has COVID Kick-Started new health trends? 10.09.2020
⁶Ipsos Robinsons idea screener Dec 19, opportunity score for Fruit & Barley with vits C&D 121 vs current at 88
⁷Mintel UK – Cordials & Squashes Report – Feb 21

Health is one of the twelve megatrends recently defined by the Future Institute in Frankfurt. It informs all facets of daily life and dominates entire lifestyles. “Physical well-being has grown in importance to be a key resource since the COVID-19 pandemic,” say the futurologists of the institute. Nutrition plays a central role in this. The focus is on plant-based products. “Plant-based alternatives are considered not just good for one’s own personal health, but also for the environment and the entire planet,” according to the researchers.

Various scientific studies have shown that vegetarian and vegan diets offer multiple health benefits. These include less obesity, lower cholesterol, and lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, an all-vegan diet brings with it the disadvantage of critical supply of certain micronutrients. Among these are vitamins B12, B2 and D, and calcium, iron, selenium, and zinc, as well as the amino acid lysine and certain omega-3 fatty acids. To prevent deficiencies, many plant-based products are fortified with micronutrients. SternVitamin takes this a step further and develops premixes that not only prevent deficiencies, but also meet certain target-group-specific needs, such as strengthening the bones, the immune system or gut health. “Customer interest in micronutrient premixes for plant-based products is growing,” notes SternVitamin Product Manager Dr Christina Mesch. “So together with our sister company Planteneers we have developed further concepts for plant-based drinks that address the current health trend.”

New oat drinks for mental power and the immune system

SternVitalityV and SternDefenceV are new to the product line. SternVitality is for a coffee oat drink with important micronutrients to support mental performance. The vitamins and minerals of the premix reduce tiredness and fatigue, and provide new energy. SternDefenceV was developed for a fruity oat drink and contains vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. B-vitamins are important for antibody synthesis and can act as immunomodulators. Sea buckthorn, vitamins B2, C and E, and the trace elements selenium and zinc protect the cells from oxidative stress, while vitamin D contributes to the growth, maturation, and activity of immune cells.

Strong bones, healthy heart

In addition to these new premix concepts, SternVitamin has also reviewed its existing premixes SternBonesV and SternHeartV and updated them in accordance with the latest science. SternBonesV is for a vanilla oat drink with a combination of vegan vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and calcium which helps maintain bone health. B-vitamins further protect the bones.

Mental stress can negatively affect vascular function and impact heart health. Since flavanol-rich cocoa has been demonstrated to improve blood flow in stressful situations and helps maintain elasticity of blood vessels, SternHeartV is incorporated into a chocolate oat drink. It contains additional vitamin K1 for vascular health and vitamin C, which improves the elasticity of the aorta and raises “good” HDL cholesterol. Meanwhile, B-vitamins contribute to a normal homocysteine metabolism, the formation of red blood cells, muscle function and a strong nervous system – likewise important for heart health.

Moderate consumption of 100% orange juice should be encouraged in children due to its multiple health benefits and lack of negative impacts on body weight, according to a spate of recent and previous research studies on the topic.

Consuming 100 % orange juice can help supplement the intake of key vitamins, minerals and health-associated bioactive compounds that may be missing in a child’s diet. A growing number of research studies has revealed that children who regularly drink 100 % orange juice have higher intakes of key nutrients, higher quality diets, and may have healthier lifestyle habits, like greater physical activity levels, than children who do not drink OJ.  Plus, recent studies align with past studies which help debunk the myth about 100 % orange juice and weight gain by showing that OJ intake is not associated with weight gain in children.

“Misconceptions about the perceived lack of health benefits of 100 % orange juice are unfortunate and could lead kids to potentially miss out on the nutritional benefits that OJ provides,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “However, study after study confirms that 100 % orange juice not only has a place in the diets of children, but it can also serve as an easy way for parents to provide key nutrients without fear of adverse effect on body weight when served in moderation. By sharing the big picture these results show, we can help correct these misconceptions and empower both consumers and health professionals to make diet decisions grounded in scientific evidence.”

As Americans’ fruit and vegetable consumption continues to erode, particularly among young children, 100 % orange juice could play a key role in providing some of the nutrients kids need. A 4 oz. serving of 100 % orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and an 8 oz. serving for older children is a good source of potassium, folate and thiamin while still meaningfully contributing these nutrients at smaller serving sizes. Fortified OJ additionally contributes calcium and vitamin D. Potassium, calcium and vitamin D are considered nutrients of public health concern in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Research also shows that children who drink 100 % orange juice have higher total fruit consumption, lower intake of added sugar and tend to have higher diet quality and higher physical activity levels compared to those who do not drink OJ.^1-4

Further, 100 % orange juice is not being overconsumed by children, despite reports to the contrary. In fact, orange juice consumption by children has declined in recent years along with the amount of key nutrients provided by it. On average, 100 % orange juice accounts for less than 1 % of total daily calorie intake in the diets of children and about 4 % of calories from beverages.² Children are on average consuming 100 % orange juice well below the 100 % juice limits established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which supports 4 to 6 ounces for children under age 7 and 8 ounces for older children.

Lastly, consumption of 100 % orange juice is not associated with overweight or obesity in children. In fact, research shows that in some cases, 100 % orange juice consumers had less chance of having elevated body weight and may be taller compared to those who do not consume OJ.^1-5 This lack of association between 100 % orange juice intake and body weight is supported by both cross-sectional^1-3,6,7 and longitudinal^4,5 analyses.

1. Sakaki et al. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2687.
2. Maillot et al. Front Nutr. 2020;7:63.
3. O’Neil CE et al. Pediatric Research and Child Health. 2020;4(1).
4. Sakaki JR et al. Public Health Nutr. 2020;1-8.
5. Sakaki JR et al. Pediatr Obes. 2021;e12781.
6. O’Neil CE et al. Nutr Res. 2011;31(9):673–682.
7. Wang Y et al. Public Health Nutr. 2012;15(12):2220-2227.

The pandemic has shifted consumer views towards their health across the globe. New research results show that this pursuit for health will have an influence on the energy product market, as consumers demand healthier alternatives to boost their struggling energy levels. The survey was conducted on behalf of BENEO with 5,000 consumers across Spain, France, Germany, Poland and the UK.

Improving mental wellbeing, overall mood and physical energy levels were some of the most important health aspects that gained momentum as a result of the pandemic. According to BENEO’s research, almost 1 in 3 consumers in Europe have been juggling with feeling tired and a lack of energy during the pandemic. In order to improve energy levels, half of those surveyed said that they have been looking to food and drink products to help them make it through the day. This figure rises even more amongst younger adults (18 – 34-year-olds), with 8 out of 10 young European consumers seeking out energy-boosting products (increasing to 85 % in the UK). The demands of parenting during a pandemic have also left their mark, with 7 out of 10 European consumers with children saying they have turned to food and drink to boost their energy levels (growing to 82 % in the UK).

As well as fatigue being an increasing issue, the pandemic has also made people more aware of the fragility of health and the need to look after themselves. More than ever before, consumers are making the link between their diet and their health, with 63 % making an increased effort to eat and drink healthier in the future because of the pandemic. Also, staying fit and active and having a balanced diet have been major concerns during the pandemic and 2 in 3 consumers now see a healthy diet as key to controlling their future health.

A common way of boosting energy is via energy drinks, which have a wide appeal – being consumed by parents, young adults and gamers to name but a few. However, in light of the current trends, many consumers are looking for products in these categories with healthier attributes, more natural ingredients or benefits of sustained energy. At the same time, awareness is growing amongst consumers that some types of sugar are healthier than others. Today, 1 in 2 consumers see sugars or carbohydrates that have a lower impact on blood sugar levels as enticing. Additionally, 2 in 3 consumers find BENEO’s Palatinose^™ balanced sugar appealing because it supports a healthier lifestyle and provides sustained energy. This makes a compelling argument for the continued development of healthy alternative energy boosting products.

Myriam Snaet, Head of Market Intelligence and Consumer Insights at BENEO commented: “This survey quantifies the trend we have been seeing played out throughout the pandemic. The safeguarding of mental health and physical energy has now become key to European consumers. This higher interest in health and nutrition also links itself to an increased focus on preventative health, where blood sugar management can play a role. What is particularly interesting about this study is the significant size and diversity of the target group that is more interested in claims relating to balanced blood sugar levels. With such a broad appeal for healthy lifestyles, manufacturers who incorporate the balanced sugar, Palatinose^™, into their products will be well set to make the most of this trend both today and in a post-pandemic world.”

Palatinose^™, BENEO’s alternative sugar, is fully yet slowly digested and provides full carbohydrate energy but in a balanced and sustained manner, keeping blood glucose response under control. It occurs naturally in honey and is derived from sugar that is naturally extracted from sugar beets. Being low glycaemic, Palatinose^™ enables manufacturers to create products that deliver energy in a more balanced way, while improving blood sugar management.

Historically the juice and squash category’s growth were hampered by sugar taxes and a negative health image, however, this trend is set to reverse in the coming years. The industry has a forecast growth of 4 % from $ 52.4 bn in 2020 to $ 54.6bn in 2021^*, bolstered by health concerns which are seeing consumers prioritise ‘immunity-boosting’ claims over ‘sugar free’, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s survey found that almost two thirds (61 %) of consumers globally spend a mid to high amount on juice^**.

Elisabet Gonzalez, Innovation Team Leader at GlobalData, comments: “Due to the pandemic consumers are more worried about their health and this could be the reason behind the juice category’s success at maintaining its appeal during this tough period. Boosting the immune system has become a top priority for shoppers, hence, functional juice drinks and healthy beverages that offer nutrition-rich ingredients are likely to stand out on the shelves and keep strong positioning.”

GlobalData identifies that health & wellness is a popular trend and a key theme in the juice industry. Some examples of innovative product launches include a Morinaga Sunkist super grape juice in Japan, which is said to contain ‘juice-derived polyphenols. Polyphenols are believed to improve the treatment of weight management difficulties, digestion issues, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. In the US, Softresco launched a charcoal fruit drink shot, which offers a fruit drink with added vegetable charcoal. The infusion of activated charcoal may resonate with the 35 % of US consumers that think charcoal will have a positive impact on their health^***.

Gonzalez continues: “While out-of-home juice consumption has taken a dip due to lockdown restrictions, at-home consumption and expenditure seems to be steady for the category as it is expected to post a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6 % over 2021-2025 to reach $ 60.4bn^*. Juice drinks might be seen by consumers as the perfect beverage to help them fight the virus, as it can provide the ideal dose of vitamins and nutrients needed to boost the immune system in an easy and convenient format for both children and adults.

“The COVID-19 pandemic could help some brands to strengthen their positioning and to reinvent themselves as a must-have product, rather than a beverage bought only for specific occasions. The health benefits of fruit juices and their many functional positioning possibilities, aligns well with today’s consumers’ needs, hence, there is a huge opportunity for the category to grow in the long-term and maintain its momentum in a post-pandemic era.”

^*Data from GlobalData’s Global Market Data: Channel Insights Cube
^**Data taken from GlobalData’s 2021 Q1 Consumer Survey.
^***Data taken from GlobalData’s 2019 Q3 global consumer survey

Teetotalism trends in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming increasingly prevalent, with approximately ^*3three out of four (71 %) of consumers drinking less alcohol in August 2020, according to a survey by leading data and analytics company GlobalData. However, the adoption of alternative soft drinks remains low, at only one in five* consumers. In fact, APAC customers surveyed are more attracted by health claims – specifically products noted to help support mental wellbeing – with such products purchased by nearly a third of consumers. Going forward, it will be crucial for drinks brands to blur the lines around traditional alcoholic products and offer ‘better for you’ messaging.

Carmen Bryan, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “APAC consumers are turning away from alcohol driven by concerns around physical and mental health. While general health concerns take precedence, backed by ^*almost half (49 %) of the region’s population, weight management, fitness, physical appearance and emotional wellbeing are all considerable factors driving low or no-alcohol innovations.”

Recognizing this trend, New Zealand-based companies Adashiko and Parker Beverages recently launched a collagen-infused bottled water, marketed as ‘premium’ and ‘sophisticated’. This launch leverages growing demand for alternatives to alcohol that incorporate functional properties, writes GlobalData.

Bryan adds: “By incorporating functional and beneficial ingredient formulations, companies such as Adashiko-Parker Beverages are able to align to personalized health trends and cater to an evolving consumer landscape.”

Looking at alcohol consumption trends more closely, GlobalData’s research reveals that, of the ^*271 % of consumers drinking less, a sizeable ^*20 % (one in five) have stopped drinking alcohol altogether. In contrast, when asked a similar question in the US.

Bryan adds: “As pubs and bars closed their doors this year, and tensions regarding public health heightened, consumers were forced to reassess their priorities and lifestyles. Trends are shaping new home-bound leisure and social occasions where consumers seek the same taste and feel of mature drinks without the negative implications.”

Japanese FMCG company, Morinaga, is leveraging these trends with its amazake product range. Most notably, the Morigana Collagen in Haenuki flavour puts a healthy twist on the traditional sweet and low-alcohol Japanese drink by highlighting the high collagen and alcohol-free claims.

Bryan adds: “GlobalData’s research highlights the importance of premium positioning and clear ‘better for you’ messaging. By leveraging wellbeing factors such as natural, immunity-boosting or skin health, brands can create a premium product that blurs consumers’ perceptions around traditional alcoholic products. A rebranding mission, of sorts. Going forward, it will be crucial for brands to blur these lines further, emphasizing the positive health credentials that will help reassure consumers, both mentally and physically, to tap into multiple consumption occasions and justify a potentially higher price mark up.”

^*GlobalData’s 2020 market pulse survey – Asia-Pacific – published 1 September  2020
^*2Combined responses: “I try to consume a moderate amount” and “I am trying to reduce my intake as much as possible”
^*3Combined responses: “I try to consume a moderate amount”, “I am trying to reduce my intake as much as possible”, and “I avoid this entirely”

A new analysis of nutrition research suggests that consumption of 100 % fruit juice, such as 100 % orange juice, by adults may have cardiovascular benefits and does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or its risk factors.

The comprehensive analysis, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, pooled and collectively analyzed the results of 21 prospective and 35 randomized clinical studies published through August 2019, and found that drinking moderate amounts of 100 % fruit juice was associated with a lower risk of total cardiovascular events and stroke. The study also reported no association at any level of 100 % fruit juice intake with weight measures, including body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, and risk for diabetes or risk factors for diabetes such as insulin resistance.¹

Based on the analysis by researchers that were part of a working group from the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU), significantly lower risks for total cardiovascular disease were observed at 100 % fruit juice intake levels up to 170 ml per day (between 5 and 6 ounces) and lower risks for stroke were seen at intake amounts up to 200 ml per day (between 6 and 7 ounces). Higher consumption amounts did not significantly increase nor decrease risk. The analysis also found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with 100 % fruit juice consumption, which could have been responsible for the observed risk reduction with cardiovascular events and stroke.

Additionally, no significant associations were seen with 100 % fruit juice intake and increased risk for diabetes or risk factors for diabetes, including blood glucose and insulin levels and measures of insulin sensitivity. Consistent with many other studies, 100 % fruit juice was not associated with weight parameters, including body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference.

A meta-analysis pools together and analyzes the results from previously conducted and published studies. In the hierarchy of research studies, a systematic review/meta-analysis ranks high with regard to the strength and robustness of results.

“These results help further support a positive role for 100 % fruit juice in cardiovascular health without negative effects on weight, risk for diabetes, or risk factors for these major diseases. While the study looked collectively at all 100 % fruit juices we also have research supporting the beneficial effects of 100 % orange juice on some of these very same health outcomes. In the end, a win for 100 % fruit juice is also a win for 100% orange juice,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus.

This systematic review and meta-analysis, funded through an unrestricted grant by the European Fruit Juice Association (AIJN), adds to the growing body of scientific research supporting the role of 100 % fruit juice and 100 % orange juice in the diet:

• A randomized controlled trial reported that 100 % orange juice reduced systolic blood pressure in adults with pre- or stage-1 hypertension. Hesperidin, provided almost exclusively in the diet by 100 % orange juice and oranges, appears to play a key role in the observed effects.²
• A meta-analysis of 95 studies showed higher intake of citrus fruit and citrus fruit juice decreased risk of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Citrus fruit juices were associated with a 25 percent reduction in the risk for ischemic stroke.³
• In a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, 100% fruit juice was associated with a 33 percent lower risk for stroke mortality.⁴
• Numerous studies report no association between 100% orange juice or 100% fruit juice intake and body weight in children or adults.^5-8

Every glass of 100 % orange juice supports overall health and can help adults and children meet intake recommendations for key nutrients they may be lacking in their diets. An 8-oz. serving size contains vital vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C, potassium, folate, hesperidin and more, with no sugar added. From helping improve diet quality to supporting a healthy immune system, 100 % orange juice offers a number of health benefits and can also easily be incorporated into simple, great-tasting recipes.

About the Florida Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry.  Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels.  The industry employs more than 37,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.5 billion to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida’s schools, roads and health care services.

References

• ¹D’Elia L et al. Eur J Nutr. 2020 Nov 4.
• ²Valls RM et al. Eur J Nutr. 2020 Jul 13.
• ³Aune D et al. Int J Epidemiol. 2017;46(3):1029-1056.
• ⁴Zurbau A et al. J Am Heart Assoc. 2020 Oct 20;9(19):e017728.
• ⁵Crowe-White K et al. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016;56(5):871-884.
• ⁶Nicklas TM et al. International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition. 2020;9(3):100-114.
• ⁷O’Neil CE et al. Pediatric Research and Child Health. 2020;4(1).
• ⁸Sakaki JR et al. Public Health Nutr. 2020 Oct 7:1-8.

ADM Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of ADM (NYSE: ADM), announced its investment in Seventure’s Health For Life Capital (HFLC) Fund II. HFLC, based in Paris, is a leading venture capital fund dedicated to health, nutrition, microbiota and digital health.

“We view Seventure as the premier investor in microbiome startups focused on human health and nutrition, and since 2018, ADM has worked closely with the Seventure team to identify opportunities with microbiome solutions that can ultimately help with dietary supplements and food and beverage applications to serve as functional or proactive solutions,” said Darren Streiler, managing director of ADM Ventures. “We believe Seventure can help meet the long-term demand we see as the result of the convergence of food and pharmaceuticals and consumers looking more towards bioactives and nutrition for wellness solutions.”

The microbiome consists of trillions of micro-organisms that reside on or inside the human body. ADM’s primary interest is the vast, complex bacterial ecosystem that lives within the digestive tract and constitutes the majority of every individual’s unique microbiome.

“With a better understanding of how the microbiome ecosystem works, we can develop functional ingredients for dietary supplements and food and beverage solutions targeted to help improve overall health,” Streiler said. “We are focused on looking at new, innovative solutions that can lead to a more balanced bacterial system in your digestive tract, otherwise known as a healthy gut, and can help lead to better health.”

ADM is committed to discovering and leveraging nutritional ingredients that can be used for preventative health, as well as for treating common ailments or even chronic diseases in both humans and animals. The company’s new probiotics production facility in Valencia, Spain – which will significantly increase its post- and prebiotic production capacity – is planned to be online in 2022.

ADM is an established market leader for microbiome solutions, with an award-winning portfolio of products and ingredients, including NutraIngredients’ 2020 ‘Probiotic Product of the Year’, ADM’s Bio-Kult Migréa^®; 2020 Ingredient of the Year in the Weight Management category, ADM’s Bifidobacterium lactis BPL1; and the 2020 Editor’s Award winner for Functional Food Innovation, ADM’s Bacillus subtilis PXN^®21^®, a live microbial strain shown to reduce the aggregation of α-synuclein, paving the way for future research in Parkinson’s disease.

With an aging population globally, consumers are increasingly looking for solutions that help them to live their lives to the fullest while maintaining high levels of health and wellness regardless of their age.

While 7 out of 10 global consumers in an Innova Consumer Survey said that they had made changes over the past year to improve their health, these changes were not just for physical health, with consumers balancing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Changes to improve physical wellbeing continued to lead, with 53 % of respondents saying that they had made a change. However, numbers were also significant for consumers saying that they had taken steps to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing (44 % of respondents) and for consumers saying that they had sought more spiritual time (32 % of respondents).

As a result, nutrition that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing is thriving and can target the needs and preferences of different generations with more specific holistic approaches to help identify opportunities and optimize innovation.

Being aged 60+ continues to be redefined, as this age group strives to remain healthier and more active while potentially working until later in their lives than previous generations out of choice or necessity. Future seniors, however, will come from Generation X and Millennials, raised in a different era to the Silent Generation and Boomers who make up the over 60s of today.

Innova’s 2019 research study indicates that 76 % of consumers aged between 26 and 55 years agreed that healthy aging started with what they ate and drank, while 56 % said that they had increased their consumption of functional foods/drinks over the previous year.

Healthy aging claims are starting to appear more regularly on food products and beverages as younger generations prefer functional food & beverages to classic supplement formats. Global research by Innova Market Insights indicates that while 29.7 % of over 55s cited tablets and 26 % cited capsules as their preferred form of intake for supplements in 2019, among those aged 26 to 35 years, nearly 30 % preferred supplements in the form of food products and 27.7 % as beverages, falling slightly to 22.1 % and 25 %, respectively, for those aged 36 to 45.

This presents opportunities to redefine supplements and how they are used, while we are also seeing blurring boundaries between supplements and food/drinks.

It is clear that products with active health claims are increasingly featuring in the marketplace to cater to a variety of needs. Food and beverage launches with active health claims tracked by Innova Market Insights are seeing a growth of +11 % (Global, 2018 vs. 2019). There is a particular focus on healthy aging or aging well, both for seniors and for younger demographics who already engaging with preventative care.

Joint health, energy/alertness, immune health, and bone health are some of the fastest-growing active health claims for global food and beverage launches in recent years as links between particular nutrients and health benefits are increasingly made.

Brain health is another area of growing interest, particularly in terms of aging well, while targeting physical appearance via nutrition and diet is also seeing rapidly rising levels of interest.

On 7th September 2020 at 13:30 BST, Myrthe de Beukelaar, Market Analyst at Innova Market Insights, will present Health & Happiness: a Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging webinar as part of Vitafoods Virtual Expo event. Join Myrthe to learn more about how consumers are increasingly looking for solutions to live their life to the fullest. Register here.

Consumers’ health status, personal interests and life priorities continuously change with age. Demanding lifestyles of Thai consumer combined with early signs of ageing often trigger middle-aged consumers to become more concerned about their health, nutrition and resulting in increased interest in using functional food/drinks.

Latest research from Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, highlights that for 84 % of Thai consumer health is a top priority, and even more so for consumers aged between 25-44. Among millennials aged between 25-34, over a  quarter (28 %) of consumers rely on products with added nutritional benefits to balance out their indulgence intake and 34 % of consumers in the same cohort seek out the latest information on health and nutrition information.

Pimwadee Aguilar, Associate Director for Food & Drink, at Mintel said:

“The degree to which consumers choose to engage with functional food and drink products varies depending on life stage and lifestyles. The increase in health awareness often takes place after the first signs of health decline. As simple signs such as facial fine lines usually appear at around the age of 25, it is at this stage when consumers are really motivated to review their diet and attempt to improve it either through conventional foods, supplementation or medicine.”

“With consumers seeking convenient ways to make up for their imbalanced lifestyle, brands in the food and drink space have an opportunity to tap into this need state to help consumers feel at their best despite their busy schedule. To find success in functional food and drink business, brands need to develop products that provide customised benefits to fulfill the needs of different demographic groups.”

Performance enhancement is the key target benefit

Thai consumers are looking for ways to improve performance and delay the degeneration of health. Mintel research highlights that the top three benefits consumer look for in functional food and drink products include brain health (62 %), eye health (55 %) and skin health (53 %)and that boost energy. However, 53 % of consumers prefer getting nutrients through regular food and drink rather than through those with fortifications and this increases to 66 %, among consumers aged 45+.

“Despite the significant demands for functional food and drinks with benefits for brain/eye health and energy, within the last three years the Thai market has experienced very stable growth in product launches that cater to these needs. With new ingredients and product varieties that can deliver these benefits, there is still a large opportunity for business growth. In Thailand, ‘naturally functional’ ingredients or products are perceived to be better than ‘added nutrition’ among consumers. Brands can appeal to consumers, especially adults with food and drink products with functional benefits from natural sources as they convey ‘healthiness’ more strongly than those with synthetic ingredients. Product formats such as beverage powders and yogurts which can easily fit into many meal occasions, and presents an opportunity to penetrate exceptionally well with consumers as they contain ‘familiar, real-food’ qualities. Energy drinks and those with electrolytes, on the other hand, are consumed less, mostly due to their ‘overly processed’ image. To win consumer acceptance, manufacturers need to develop products which provide functional benefits, yet maintain ‘real food’ look and taste,” said Pimwadee.

Beauty inside out

Consumers want to look their best, even amidst busy lifestyles, as Mintel research reveals that over half of consumers look for skin health (51 %) and over a third of consumers seek products that aid weight loss (37 %). The interest is high, especially among female consumers, in functional food and drinks products that offer for skin health (63 %) and weight loss benefits (45 %). Finally, Thai consumers say they are aware and have consumed collagen (73 %) and antioxidants (72 %).

“Urbanisation has resulted in consumers leading hectic lifestyles which often increases their chances of physical and mental burnout and premature ageing. As a result, early signs of ageing on the face and body are triggering consumers, especially females, to seek solutions to delay the decline. Collagen and antioxidants are the most popular functional ingredients among consumers as they seek ‘quick fixes’ to improve physical appearance and delay ageing. Food and drink can play an important role in beauty as ingredients for healthy skin such as collagen are seeing high awareness and usage. It is essentials for brands to lead in educating consumers about ingredients and benefits the product delivers and offer convenient, effective and tasty beauty and weight management solutions to consumers,” concluded Pimwadee.

The acquisition of HSO Health Care GmbH cements Chr. Hansen’s long-term commitment to its probiotics business, and the fast-growing category for women’s health, where scientifically proven probiotic solutions are becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

Chr. Hansen Holding A/S and HSO Health Care GmbH entered into an agreement, under which Chr. Hansen will acquire HSO Health Care. The acquisition of the Austria-based B2B company specializing in probiotics for women’s health will strengthen and expand Chr. Hansen’s global microbial platform. This acquisition is aligned with the strategy of pursuing bolt-on acquisitions that fit into the microbial platform, as outlined in the Nature’s no. 1 strategy. The transaction will be finalized later this week.

A scientific approach to common urogenital discomforts

Urogenital discomfort is a concern for women all over the world who are increasingly looking for intimate care products based on natural ingredients. This has driven the category for women’s health to be among the fastest-growing in the probiotics market.

Highlights

• Women’s health is one of the fastest growing probiotic segments, with an estimated market CAGR of more than 15 % since 2015, which HSO has outperformed substantially
• Good fit to Chr. Hansen with easy integration and strong potential synergies
• Strengthens and expands Chr. Hansen’s microbial platform by adding HSO’s branded portfolio Astarte^™, a global award-winning line of patented probiotic products for women’s health
• Clinically documented and using four specific strains, Astarte™ has a powerful selling proposition and a strong brand position and is sold in multiple channels
• Strengthens our women’s health offering by combining Astarte^™ with Chr. Hansen’s UREX^™ products, creating a portfolio that can be leveraged globally and expanded into new adjacencies within women’s health
• Expected 2020 revenues of approximately EUR 15 million, with an EBITDA margin above 40 %. Strong double-digit organic growth expected from 2020-2025
• Chr. Hansen’s outlook for 2019/20 is unchanged

Financial implications and outlook

The acquisition is fully aligned with Chr. Hansen’s capital allocation principles, and does not impact the ability pay out an ordinary dividend of 40 – 60 % of net profit. The purchase price will be financed from existing available cash and bank facilities, and the acquisition has no impact on the 2019/20 outlook. Under the terms of the agreement the details of the transaction will not be disclosed.

Diana Food has opened a new R&D laboratory to drive its innovation in Consumer Health products.

Located in Québec City, Québec, the center will support a nearby facility where Diana produces nutritional ingredients for use in a range of health solutions. Rob Evans, Director of Research & Development at Diana Food, said, “The decision to create this new lab emphasizes Diana’s commitment to the market, the North American scientific community, and the company’s long-term growth in the consumer health category.”

The Research & Development facility’s location is a strategic one. Its proximity to Diana’s Consumer Health plant not only allows for the easy transfer of knowledge and technology, but also helps transfer laboratory innovation into scalable manufacturing. Additionally, the center is close to Quebec’s little fruits producing region, providing quick access to fresh, natural resources.

The creation of new products and processes will be a key focus at the new facility. The team working here, which includes scientists from Diana’s labs in France, will extract polyphenols from locally sourced materials like cranberries and blueberries and explore their application in health offerings like dietary supplements. As Mr. Evans noted, “These scientists are experts in the consumer health market and those coming from France bring with them prior expertise that will help expedite local development and testing.”

This Research & Development laboratory also echoes Diana’s work with the Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF) at Laval University. Launched in November 2018, this Chair of Research is dedicated to researching the effects of fruit and vegetable-derived polyphenols on regulating microbiota in the human gut.

Diana Food’s ingredients are sourced from carefully selected raw materials and their solutions are supported by robust, clinically proven science. The company’s specializations in this category include sports nutrition products, functional food and drink to boost women’s health, and supplements to encourage healthy aging and add energy and vitality.

Chr. Hansen delivers solid half-year result of 9 % organic growth and maintains overall outlook for the full year.The growth comes from all business areas: Food Cultures & Enzymes 10 %, Health & Nutrition 11 % and Natural Colors 5 %

Solid organic revenue growth of 9 % in the first half of 2018/19: Food Cultures & Enzymes 10 %, Health & Nutrition 11 % and Natural Colors 5 %. EBIT before special items increased by 10 % to EUR 150 million, corresponding to an EBIT margin before special items of 27.0 % up 0.8 %-point compared to last year. In Q2, organic growth was 8 %, and EBIT before special items increased by 11 %. The overall outlook for 2018/19 remains unchanged.

CEO Mauricio Graber says: “We continued the solid momentum, with Food Cultures & Enzymes delivering strong organic growth with an increasing contribution from volume in Q2, which was in line with our expectations. Towards the end of Q2, we launched CHY-MAX^® Supreme, a truly innovative enzyme which raises the bar for what cheesemakers can expect from coagulants. Organic growth in Health & Nutrition was solid and with a more balanced growth contribution between Human Health and Animal Health compared to what we saw in Q1, although livestock farming economics in North America remain challenging. Yesterday, we announced a joint-venture with Lonza AG, which marks a quantum leap for Chr. Hansen’s Human Microbiome lighthouse and which will create a global pioneer and partner of choice for production of live biotherapeutic products. In Natural Colors we secured important conversions in North America, but this was to some extent offset by weaker demand from Latin America in particular.”

“Our EBIT margin before special items in the first half of the year increased by 0.8 %-point and was driven by improved margins in all business areas. In FC&E, we achieved a gross margin benefit of more than 1 %-point from the ramp up of the new capacity in our facility in Copenhagen, which more than offsets the increasing investments we are making in the business. We continue to pursue strong and profitable organic growth while also investing significantly for the future.

“The progress in the first half year makes us confident about our overall outlook, which is maintained and in line with our long-term financial ambition.”

Mental health is a pressing concern around the world with many consumers turning to health enhancing ingredients to help relieve a range of conditions including stress, anxiety and insomnia.

Whilst the food and beverages industry is awash with products that deliver on health, wellbeing and energy, mental health related new product development (NPD) has lagged behind with demand for these types of products varying amongst regions, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Consumer research from GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Top Trends in Healthcare and OTC Products 2018 – The latest trends in: OTC medication; vitamins, minerals, and supplements; functional food and drink; and sports nutrition’, reveals that 66 % of European consumers say that stress is a pressing mental health concern followed closely by overwork (56 %) and insomnia (55 %).

William Grimwade, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData comments, “There is clearly an opportunity for beverage manufacturers in Europe to develop products with mental health enhancing functionality.

“A high percentage of beverages in the region contain fortified and nutraceutical ingredients and 61 % of consumers say that soft drinks are their preferred method of consuming health enhancing ingredients.”

Health drinks have often been characterised as simply low sugar or energy boosters fortified with caffeine, vitamins or minerals. Mental health is a growing concern, but fortified drinks rarely address this need.

However, ingredients such as Gingko Biloba, Turmeric and Lecithin are increasingly being used in this field with companies like Coca-Cola investing in new emerging ingredients like Cannabidiol or CBD oil.

Grimwade adds, “With stress and overwork being the top mental health concerns in Europe driven by long working hours and the political and economic turmoil in the region creating so much uncertainty, demand for drinks fortified with stress and anxiety relieving ingredients will only increase.”

As the economic outlook for Asia-Pacific (APAC) remains strong and consumers in the region continue to put in a high level of performance, stress and overwork will be the important concerns related to mental health among them. Against this backdrop, beverage makers which offer fortified drinks with health-enhancing ingredients will have an edge over others in the region, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to the company’s Q1 2017 consumer survey, stress, overwork and memory loss are the major concerns for APAC consumers. Among the three, stress was the leading mental health concern with 84 %.

The company’s report, ‘Top Trends in Healthcare and OTC Products 2018’ reveals that the majority (61 %) of consumers in APAC are looking for drinks with health-enhancing ingredients but very few drinks feature them.

Will Grimwade, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Health drinks have often been pigeon holed into being either low sugar variants or energy boosters fortified with caffeine, vitamins or minerals. Mental health is a growing concern, but fortified drinks rarely address this need.

“Sales of fortified drinks and demand for drinks with health enhancing ingredients in APAC are both currently at a medium level. There is little focus on mental health within this sector and the large size of the total soft drinks market makes this a good opportunity.”

GlobalData expects a growing number of new launches to the market that include ingredients such as Gingko Biloba, Turmeric and Lecithin. Companies such as Coca-Cola are investing in emerging ingredients such as Cannabidiol (CBD) oil in North America due to its pain and anxiety easing effects, with use of the ingredient likely to spread to Asia within the next few years. This shows that companies are looking to target a more diverse range of health needs.

Grimwade concludes: “Economic growth is unlikely to stagnate and stress levels for APAC consumers are unlikely to drop, meaning the appeal of stress relieving drinks is likely to remain strong.”

The all-natural brain health supplement BioPQQ^® will soon be added to the European Union’s Approved List of Novel Foods, enabling the product to be used in food applications. The development follows an assessment by an expert panel attesting to the supplement’s safety. Dozens of in vitro and in vivo clinical studies and trials suggest that BioPQQ may have significant anti-oxidative and neurogenerative benefits for brain health.

The inclusion of BioPQQ on the EU’s Approved List of Novel Foods represents a significant opportunity for European food manufacturers to fortify products with a safe and effective brain health supplement. Consumer interest in brain health has risen dramatically in recent years. While older consumers are considered the dominant buyers of brain health supplements, surveys indicate that younger consumers are increasingly interested in supporting brain health to promote greater mental focus and acuity.

The inclusion of BioPQQ on the EU list is expected to be formalized this summer and follows a review of the product in accordance with Article 29(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) #178/2002. As part of the review process, the European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority to assess BioPQQ’s safety as a novel food ingredient. The EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) concluded that BioPQQ is safe under the intended conditions of use.

Manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, BioPQQ is sold globally through distributors and vitamin retailers. Studies demonstrate that BioPQQ may stimulate Nerve Growth Factor and help protect neurons from harmful oxidative stress. BioPQQ has been shown to inhibit neurotoxicity and promote “mitochondrial biogenesis” to energize cells, particularly in the brain. Its anti-oxidative effect has been demonstrated to be significantly higher than both Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

“Consumers regardless of age want to enhance brain health,” said Shoji Matsukawa, general manager, organic chemicals sales & marketing for Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America. “BioPQQ’s forthcoming appearance on the EU’s Approved List of Novel Foods opens up new possibilities for developing European food products that might improve cognitive functioning. Examples could include nutrition bars, snack foods, beverage mixes, and other products.”

In the United States, BioPQQ has received GRAS (“generally regarded as safe”) designation, enabling it to be used as a food ingredient. BioPQQ is also the only supplement of its kind to have successfully negotiated the New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notification process with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, attesting to the stringent quality control and safety standards in its production. Mitsubishi’s proprietary fermentation process for harvesting BioPQQ naturally is well-controlled and well-documented. No other compound of its kind on the market has been as rigorously tested and studied.

With healthy foods and beverages more in demand than ever before, Health ingredients (Hi) Europe & Natural ingredients (Ni) is adding new features that cover the expanding market’s reach into current consumer lifestyles.

Europe’s leading health, natural and nutrition show, Hi Europe & Ni, is celebrating its 10th edition with a move to a larger hall at Messe Frankfurt this year. From 27-29 November 2018, visitors will be able to access all of the show’s many features and live events under one roof. In addition, the Healthy Finished Products Expo will launch this year and Health & Nutrition Week will run once again, following a successful debut in 2016.

Located in the heart of Germany, the leading European market for health and nutrition, Hi Europe & Ni is the premier nutritional ingredients event, offering the best in business opportunities, networking connections, trend insights and product development solutions. The industry has evolved significantly in recent years and, as vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian lifestyles move from niche to mainstream, the market is entering a new era of clean label food and beverage products with rising numbers of natural, organic, functional or “free from” claims.

According to Euromonitor, products positioned towards food intolerance, fortified, functional, naturally healthy or organic are expected to enjoy global growth of 5 percent in retail value terms every year until 2020. In contrast, products with reduced sugar, caffeine or fat content will grow at just 1 percent. The “naturally healthy” sector is ripe for innovation: valued at €251 bn in 2015, further growth of more than €63 bn is expected by 2020.

Hi Europe & Ni 2018 will reflect this booming marketplace with numerous not-to-be-missed highlights. Spanning three days, the event provides a complete overview of the health and nutrition industries. International leaders in healthy food and beverage innovation will showcase the latest solutions for food and drink formulation and reformulation, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, organics, packaging, processing – and more.

This year’s conference will follow four main themes:

• Focus on Functional: what’s new in gut health, protein and naturally functional foods
• Clean, Natural and Transparent: developments in clean label, natural ingredients and the growing consumer demand for trust and transparency
• Reduce, Remove and Reformulate: solutions for sugar, salt and fat reduction as well as the latest in “free from”
• Personalising Nutrition: innovations in personalised nutrition for consumers at all life stages

In excess of 465 exhibitors are confirmed, including global players such as ADM, BENEO, Glanbia Nutritionals, Lonza and Naturex. More than 10,000 attendees from 94 countries are expected to attend and explore several themed pavilions: Organic, Natural, Free From, the Healthy Finished Product Expo, Expo FoodTec and country pavilions.

Health & Nutrition Week will run alongside Hi Europe & Ni 2018, offering a top-level thought leadership programme, starting on November 24. Working together with external experts from the food industry, academia, market research and more, organiser UBM has created an inspiring line-up of topical presentations and workshops. The Week includes, for example, the one-day Hi Future of Nutrition Summit on November 26, which will explore cutting-edge innovations that are likely to change the food and beverage industry. On November 27-28, the immersive, interactive Hi 5-Senses Conference will target all five senses via an insightful mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions and debates. Additionally, on November 29, it is the third year that women in the industry are invited to attend the Women’s Networking Breakfast to make connections and share advice – and for the first time this year, also men are invited to join.