At Vitafoods Europe from May 20 to 22, 2025 in Barcelona, SternVitamin (Booth 3G122) will be focusing on the topic of women’s health. Under the theme “Micronutrients for a healthy life”, the company will be presenting innovative premixes that are specially tailored to the needs of women at different stages of their lives. As a global manufacturer of micronutrient premixes, SternVitamin is a customer-oriented partner for producers of fortified foods and beverages as well as food supplements, worldwide. At the trade fair SternVitamin will highlight its expertise in the production of science-based, trend-oriented premix solutions, and will present a vegan protein shake containing important micronutrients for physically active women.

Targeted support for women at every stage of life

Certain health issues are particularly relevant for women. Studies show that micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, folic acid or iodine are particularly common in women. For example, hormonal changes at different stages of life – such as during pregnancy, menopause or the menstrual cycle – lead to changes in micronutrient requirements. During these phases, it is therefore particularly important to ensure an adequate supply of micronutrients.

SternVitamin premixes are specifically developed for women and cover a broad portfolio of relevant micronutrients, supporting women’s health at every stage of life. The newly developed SternWoman Cycle Support premix supports women’s wellbeing throughout the menstrual cycle. In addition to selected micronutrients, the premix contains chamomile extract, a herbal component with a calming effect. The premixes SternPregnancy 1 and SternPregnancy 2 provide support during pregnancy and address the different micronutrient requirements in the various phases of pregnancy. SternWoman 45+ – a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals and green tea and blackcurrant extract – was developed for women during perimenopause.

Trade fair innovation: Vegan clear protein shake – with micronutrients for physically active women

As an innovative highlight SternVitamin is presenting a vegan clear protein shake based on pea protein hydrolysate in cooperation with its sister company SternLife, a provider of modern functional nutrition, specialising in protein bars and powder-based supplements. The SternActive premix, specially developed by SternVitamin, addresses the most common micronutrient deficiencies in women and contains electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and sodium, for regeneration after physical activity. In addition, vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, and iron support energy metabolism and contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

This fruity, clear protein shake with tropical flavour in combination with the SternActivepremix is especially appealing to active and health-conscious women.

Prinova Europe will showcase its functional nutrition capabilities in great-tasting, ready-to-mix beverage concepts targeting consumer trends at Vitafoods Europe (20th to 22nd May in Barcelona).

New consumer research by the premix and blends specialist has found that 53 % of consumers cite great taste as the primary influence on purchase.¹ Prinova’s Vitafoods concepts combine trending flavours with functional nutrition and branded ingredients to demonstrate how manufacturers can develop innovative products that address key market needs. They include:

• Citrus Blast – a pre-workout beverage packed with ingredients to unlock performance potential. This has been identified by Prinova’s research as a megatrend² and of particular interest to sports and active nutrition consumers.³ The citrus-flavoured drink includes
  L-citrulline, natural caffeine and B vitamins. It also contains 200 mg of CitraPeak^®, the first 100 % soluble form of hesperidin. Currently available in the US, the clinically supported pre-workout ingredient will soon be launched in Europe.
• Good Guts Lemon Ginger Tea – a refreshing drink for digestive health support. Prinova research has identified digestive/gut health as a megatrend² and consumers’ primary health concern.⁴ The concept includes Aquamin^®, a marine mineral complex and prebiotic for which Prinova recently acquired exclusive distribution rights in the DACH region. In human studies, Aquamin^® has shown potential for aiding gastrointestinal tract health.
• Young at heart – In Prinova’s recent market research, healthy ageing emerged as a key concern, with over half (52 %) of consumers saying it significantly affected their choices of food or nutrition products. Specially formulated to meet this need, this red fruit-based beverage concept contains ingredients such as saberry, vitamins A and C, and magnesium.

James Street, Global Marketing Director at Prinova, said: “We’re looking forward to demonstrating our unrivalled functional nutrition capabilities with our great-tasting, ready-to-mix beverage concepts at Vitafoods Europe. At Prinova, we specialise in developing innovative product concepts that reflect market trends. Our expertise in research and analysis of supplements, health, wellness, sports and lifestyle trends and consumer preferences uncovers untapped potential that drives category and overall market growth. As an industry leader in ready-to-mix powder contract manufacturing, we also offer huge flexibility in formats, including convenient stick packs for precise dosing and easy portability.”

¹Research conducted online between May and June 2024
²Prinova, 2024 and 2025 Trends (2023)
³Prinova White Paper, State of play: new insights into the changing sports nutrition market: https://www.prinovaglobal.com/eu/en/resources/white-paper/new-insights-into-the-changing-sports-nutrition-market
⁴Prinova White Paper, Getting personal: nutrition in the digital age: https://www.prinovaglobal.com/eu/en/resources/white-paper/getting-personal–nutrition-in-the-digital-age

The highly anticipated VITAFOODS Europe 2025 is set to take place from May 20th to 22nd at FIRA, Barcelona, bringing together global leaders in the Nutraceutical and Functional Nutrition industry.

This premier European tradeshow epicentre provides a vital platform for networking, knowledge exchange and reimagining the latest advancements in functional ingredients and integrated health solutions. With over 21,500 expected attendees and more than 1,300 exhibitors from around the world, the event promises to be a dynamic hub of activity and innovation. Visitors will gain exclusive insights from expert panel discussions, connect with visionary industry leaders and explore cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of nutrition.

A booming industry

The nutraceutical and functional nutrition industries are experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by increasing consumer awareness of the link between diet and health. Valued at approximately EUR 549 billion globally in 2024, the market is projected to reach EUR 854 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.6 %.

Nowadays, consumers expect more than just great taste from their food and beverages; they actively seek products that provide tangible health benefits. In fact, 56 % of global consumers search for food and beverage options that promote gut health. This shift is driven by advancements in nutritional science, public health campaigns and the influence of digital and social media. As this trend accelerates, VITAFOODS Europe offers the perfect stage for companies to collaborate and get ahead of the curve as this industry booms!

Döhler at VITAFOODS Europe

Marking their debut at VITAFOODS Europe, Döhler’s exhibit will unveil an impressive showcase of their latest pioneering solutions in the functional ingredients and integrated health solutions sector. With a mission to holistically advance healthier and longevity, their presented product portfolio is designed for better nutrition.

Visitors will discover a vast portfolio of B2C applications addressing critical consumer needs – from weight management and energy to mental, digestive and women’s health – all underpinned by Döhler’s deep B2B expertise. These Natural SuperHEROES^® include energy-boosting Guarana, gut health solutions containing Prebiotic Topinambur or Probiotic Fruit Granulates and innovative, clean-label solutions for weight management, which can be seen in action in these featured B2C innovations:

• GLP-1 Boosting Powder Meal Drinks: Formulated to support satiety and promote better weight management.
• Next-Generation Super Powder Supplement Blends: Delivering holistic health benefits through advanced formulations.
• Freeze-dried Nutritional Drops: A novel format that is set to inspire the nutraceutical industry.

The company’s Natural SuperHEROES^® – a comprehensive portfolio of natural health ingredients – and MultiSense^® taste modulation solutions exemplify the ability to merge nutritional efficacy with sensory appeal. Beyond these, Döhler will introduce innovative ingredient systems across categories like micronised colours, botanicals and functional blends, illustrating their role as an end-to-end partner from plant to shelf.

The diverse spectrum of capabilities demonstrates why they’re a leader in the nutraceutical revolution. Backward-integrated sourcing, commitment to Nutritional Excellence and Multi-Sensory Experiences as well as cutting-edge regulatory services all in one platform. Whether it’s their titanium dioxide replacement solutions for cleaner labels, freeze-dried fruit compounds for enhanced bioavailability or tailored granulates for optimised texture, Döhler’s exhibit underscores their position as a technology-driven systems provider with solutions for every challenge.

Arla Foods Ingredients will highlight the functional benefits of pure BLG (beta-lactoglobulin) in a new protein soda concept at Vitafoods Europe.

Consumers are increasingly seeking functional beverages that support active, balanced lifestyles. In the past year alone, this has seen almost 20 % reduce their consumption of traditional carbonated drinks, with over 60 % citing health as the primary reason.1

Arla Foods Ingredients’ protein soda concept is a tailored response to the “better-for-you” soft drink trend, providing 10 g of protein per serving with zero sugar. It features Lacprodan^® BLG-100 to deliver the nutritional power that consumers demand, while offering manufacturers the flexibility of hot and cold processing.

Compared to standard whey protein, Lacprodan^® BLG-100 contains more of the essential and branched chain amino acids necessary to support muscle maintenance and growth. Its protein content also supports satiety, appealing to the increasing number of consumers interested in weight management.

Sarah Meyer, Head of Sales Development, Performance Nutrition, at Arla Foods Ingredients, said, “Our exciting new protein soda concept meets the needs of consumers keen to switch out sugary beverages for thirst-quenching, healthier options. Lacprodan^® BLG-100’s outstanding purity ensures the refreshing, water-like viscosity, clarity and clean taste these consumers love. This enables brand owners to set a new quality standard for protein-enriched soft drinks, including those positioned around physical activity.”

Symrise sets out to make a strong impact at Vitafoods Europe 2025 in Barcelona from May 20–22. At booth 4D55, visitors can explore cutting-edge health solutions sourced from nature and backed by science. A major highlight includes the upcoming completion of the Probi acquisition and its ongoing integration into Symrise.

Symrise will unveil three human health solutions at the trade show. These products address key areas, including joint health & mobility, urinary health, and healthy aging. Also, the upcoming completion of the Probi acquisition will form a special highlight.

Launch of human health solutions to address industry challenges and consumer wishes

Chondractiv^™ Move: The 4-in-1 mobility solution supports an active lifestyle, featuring type II collagen peptides, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and rosehip polyphenols. Chondractiv^™ Move is suitable for food supplements, functional foods, and beverages, targeting 35+consumers who look for solutions to support their joints and maintain their mobility.

Cranpure^™ M: A women health solution to support urinary health at a daily dose of 300mg. Gently processed from the high-PAC Mullica Queen^® variety, this cranberry powder contains high levels of proanthocyanidins (PACs) and offers a high in vitro anti-adhesion efficacy at a competitive price.

Acerowell^™: The solution can contribute to healthy aging by supporting metabolic health and skin anti-aging from within. Acerowell^™ is a unique acerola product with complete polyphenol characterization and standardization. This allows consumers to harness the full benefits of acerola’s vitamin C and polyphenols.

In addition, six forward-thinking product concepts will showcase how Symrise combines health actives with great taste. “We have designed our concepts to help meet evolving consumer demands in trending formats like soft chews or shots. By leveraging proprietary tools like Symvision^™ AI, Symrise can decode emerging flavor, taste, and claim trends with precision. In addition, the ConceptScan^™ platform can validate these concepts directly with consumers — ensuring they deliver both health benefits and a great sensory experience” says Clémence Boutin, Application Manager Health EMEA, Symrise Food & Beverage.

Probi strengthens Symrise’s health portfolio with clinically proven biotic solutions

The upcoming integration of Probi, a leading provider of biotic solutions, into the Symrise family marks a key milestone in Symrise’s “One Care” journey. Its strong scientific heritage and portfolio of clinically proven biotic solutions promote health and well-being. With that, it perfectly complements and strengthens the Symrise offer. At Vitafoods, Probi will introduce two powerful biotic solutions:

Mental Health by Probi^®: Featuring L. plantarum HEAL9 (HEAL9^®). Four clinical trials and over 30 publications have explored the HEAL9 strain’s impact on the gut-brain axis, showing significant improvements in cognition, mood, sleep, and stress, contributing to overall mental wellness.

Metabolic Health by Probi^®: A major European launch, combining the strength of L. plantarum 299V (LP299V^®) and L. paracasei 8700:2^™. A total of nine clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of these strains, showing their potential to support metabolic health, reduce risk markers of metabolic syndrome and supporting cardiovascular health.

Magtein^®, a highly bioavailable form for magnesium supplementation, is to debut at Vitafoods Europe in the wake of huge success in the US.

Magtein^®, the proprietary form of magnesium L-threonate – the only effective, bioavailable form of magnesium that can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the neuron cells – offers significant benefits for both brain and mental health. In multiple clinical studies, it has been found to improve memory, cognition, calmness, mood and quality of sleep.

The key to Magtein^®’s effectiveness is threonate, which facilitates the entry of magnesium into brain cells via glucose transporters (GLUTs), increasing intracellular magnesium levels. In this respect, it stands out from most other magnesium compounds, which have low brain bioavailability, as well as frequently causing gut problems.

In November 2024, magnesium L-threonate received official authorisation as a novel food, allowing its benefits to be enjoyed by consumers in the EU for the first time. This authorisation was approved based on proprietary data on Magtein^® that belongs to AIDP and its partner company ThreoTech, thus providing exclusive distribution protection.

The launch of Magtein^® in the EU follows extraordinary success in the US, where it is available as a branded product in Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club and Costco. With a five-year CAGR of 33 %, it has outperformed the overall market for products containing magnesium, and for formulas for cognition and stress/mood. It has also received over 91,000 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

In Germany, magnesium ranks as the most popular supplement, with 35 % of consumers taking it and 82 % perceiving it to be effective. Similarly, 99 % of Italian consumers are aware of magnesium, with 31 % taking it.¹

The potential of Magtein^® in the EU is also clear from the high demand for supplements in areas where magnesium offers benefits. For example, anxiety/stress is the top health concern for German consumers, with 33 % willing to take a supplement for it.¹

Rory Lipsky, Sr. VP Marketing, ThreoTech, LLC, said: “Magtein is a truly unique product, which overcomes the brain bioavailability challenges associated with magnesium. The enormous success it has enjoyed in the US is testament to the top level of science involved in its discovery and the wealth of clinical research supporting its functions, as well as the scale of demand for effective solutions for cognitive health, mood and sleep. We’re hugely excited that consumers in the EU, where magnesium is already one of the most taken supplements, are now able to enjoy these benefits too.”

Magtein^® is suitable for use in a wide range of products, including capsules, RTD beverages, snack bars, gummies, gels and powders. It will be showcased at Vitafoods Europe at stand 3M259.

¹ITC Consumer Supplement Survey, 2024 (Ranking based on 37 supplement types).

Vegan ingredients, functional concepts and a CBD-free painkiller: Taiyo’s new developments attracted a lot of attention at Vitafoods in Geneva.

Taiyo, the health-promoting natural ingredients expert, used Vitafoods Europe, in Geneva, to debut innovative concepts that were particularly well received by manufacturers of sports nutrition and functional products. The most surprising innovation was a concept developed by Taiyo GmbH in Germany and partners for the European market: A legal cannabidiol (CBD) alternative that promises legal and safe consumption with a CBD effect. Also among the sought-after new products were a vegan protein shake concept based on chia protein and bean fibre, which contains green coffee beans, along with new prototypes for functional, clear, instant soups offering increased saturation and regeneration, with protein and fibre enrichment.

At the meeting point for the dietary supplement industry, Taiyo caused a sensation with its cannabis alternative CPT. The additive, which can be legitimately distributed and consumed worldwide, has nerve-protecting properties and acts systemically on the central nervous system. Managing Director Dr. Stefan Siebrecht: “CPT is by no means a synthetic cannabinoid, nor does it contain real cannabis. CPT is a combination of three natural and legal extracts which complement each other in such a way that they have a similar effect to CBD. The components of CPT are long established and are already being used in America to reduce the side effects of therapeutic cannabis. This makes the almost comparable effect all the more interesting: CPT has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves pain and reduces a number of stress-related symptoms. And although the ingredient improves sleep quality, it does not make you tired, but instead regulates the natural day-night rhythm. Improved concentration and learning ability are further positive effects.”

Taiyo’s innovations in the weight management segment also attracted plenty of interest. One novelty, a vegan satiating protein shake, is part of an extensive range of chia products and concepts. The allergen-free organic shake concept combines all the benefits that health and weight-conscious consumers value: high-quality micro and macro nutrients, a performance-enhancing Q10 source, a creamy cappuccino taste and easily digestible fibre. In addition, the formulation contains green coffee beans that release caffeine slowly over 6-8 hours, increasing calorie consumption and reducing diet-related fatigue.

Another highlight at the stand was functional instant soups, which could well change the negative image of an infusion meal: The recipes consist exclusively of nutritionally sensible ingredients and are free from flavour enhancers such as glutamate or yeast; they contain neither starch nor palm oil, or other declarable additives. Each portion contains 66 per cent vegetables, over 5g vegetable protein and Taiyo’s natural fibre Sunfiber^® from the guar bean. A variant with a higher content of collagen peptides appeals to target groups such as athletes, the elderly or infirm who want or need to do something to care for or maintain muscle strength.