Innovation customised for individuals health needs took center stage in what was Vitafoods Europe’s inaugural event in Barcelona, from May 20-22, 2025. The show presented the latest developments in the nutraceuticals industry with compelling speaker sessions and insights for attendees to enjoy. KHNI have identified three key trends which were most prevalent throughout the three day event.
Weight Management & Satiety:
This trend had a major presence at Vitafoods Europe 2025, with tailored solutions ranging from collagen peptides targeting post meal glucose spikes, to proteins & pro and postbiotics to support those who may be engaging with GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. Other solutions called out nutrient density, as a measure to manage deficiencies individuals may incur, while on this weight management journey.
Listen here to Dr. Zane Andrews from Monash University who featured in KHNI’s webinar from April 2025 on how this trend may evolve:
Women’s Health:
Developments in offerings tailored to Women, during particular life stages was a clear call out from the trade show. From clinically backed, root and leaf ashwagandha to support menopause to botanical extracts for fertility, the Women’s Health space is evolving at pace and scale in the industry.
Read more about the hormone lifecycle from subject matter experts Mollie Mulligan and Monica Olivares, here.
Microbiome:
Industry solutions regarding the human microbiome is also a key takeaway from Barcelona. Pre, pro and postbiotics were present in abundance, with an increased focus on innovation on the health benefits of biotics broader than the gut, to areas such as Skin and Cognitive health.
Hear from Dr. Colin Hill from University College Cork below on how and why postbiotics are growing in popularity:
“Despite being an ingredient group that is just beginning to grow, postbiotics have been shown to have health benefits commonly associated with other biotics such as probiotics. The immune modulating capabilities of postbiotics highlight the emerging areas of the gut-immune axis and how postbiotics can play a role in benefiting health beyond the gut. Postbiotics allow for more ease of manufacturing and versatility for new food, beverage, and supplements making them an exciting area for product development.”
– Colin Hill, PhD, Professor of Microbial Food Safety, Principal Investigator, University College Cork, APC Microbiome Ireland.
Overall, Vitafoods Europe proved an insightful show, highlighting the wide range of opportunities the industry has to support consumers health through nutrition with clinically backed, personalised solutions taking the spotlight. Other strong themes which featured at the show included collagen, botanicals and omega’s many of which, supported Healthy Ageing & Longevity for consumers.
Contributors:
Aoife Marie Murphy, PhD
Global Sustainable Nutrition Manager - Kerry
As Sustainable Nutrition Manager at Kerry, Aoife’s role involves assessing Kerry’s global ingredients portfolio for nutrition and sustainability impacts. Aoife is passionate about science communication and manages the Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute, a non-commercial thought leadership platform that disseminates the latest insights in nutrition science for the food industry.
Brian Short
Senior Consumer Insights Specialist - Kerry
Brian is a Senior Consumer Insights Specialist with a passion for understanding today’s consumer and the future of the Food and Beverage industry. Brian contributes to foresight and insights projects at Kerry, where his work informs industry-leading strategies. His innovation credentials are further bolstered by completing Oxford’s Strategic Innovation Programme in 2024, which deepened his ability to drive meaningful change and foster creative problem-solving.
