Vitafoods Europe has unveiled the agenda for its largest and most forward-looking edition yet. The 2026 programme is designed to help brands respond to some of the most disruptive forces shaping the nutraceuticals landscape, with full day sessions dedicated to the explosive impact of GLP-1 medications on nutrition strategies and the rapidly rising beauty-from-within market.
These spotlight sessions will take place on day three of the show, running alongside an extensive programme of more than 37 hours of content across multiple stages, including the Vitafoods Insights Theatre and the Vitafoods Europe Conference. With over 100 expert speakers from across the nutraceutical sector, the programme offers unmatched insight into emerging trends, product innovation, and the future of nutrition. Speaker highlights include Professor Tim Spector OBE, Scientific Co-Founder at ZOE and Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, alongside leading specialists in trends and innovation, such as Mintel, FMCG Gurus, Innova Market Insights and more.
With more than 150 new GLP-1 drug candidates currently in development, products making GLP 1 related claims have grown at an estimated 124% CAGR over the past five years, meaning the weight management sector is set for a transformative shift. In response, demand is growing for targeted nutritional solutions that support users throughout the GLP-1 journey, including for muscle maintenance, metabolic health and overall wellbeing.
To help brands navigate this evolving landscape, Vitafoods Europe 2026 will host a dedicated spotlight on weight management on 7 May. Sessions will include discussions on the need to shift from focusing on calorie restriction to holistic, evidence-based approaches; the potential of plant-based proteins for metabolic support; and emerging supplement-based alternatives to GLP-1 medications – offering insights into how the nutraceutical sector can deliver effective tailored results for consumers. Key sessions will include Sophia Cornelius, specialised Nutrition Analyst at Mintel, on ‘The future of weight management: Nutrition innovation in a GLP-1 era’ and a panel discussion on complementary supplements for GLP-1s, featuring Lauren Struszczak, Senior Scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation.
Alongside the new spotlight sessions, Vitafoods Europe 2026 will see the return of key learning platforms. The Vitafoods Insights Theatre features presentations covering market updates and major consumer trends influencing the global nutraceutical market, with Innova Market Insights highlighting its top ten trends for 2026 (May 5) to open the stage. Another key highlight will be the Startup Challenge live pitches and awards (May 5), which will showcase breakthrough ideas from rising innovators.
Meanwhile the Vitafoods Europe Conference serves as the central hub for cutting-edge science, with a carefully curated programme designed to inspire and equip professionals in R&D, product development, innovation, and strategy roles. These content features will join the Nutraceutical Showcase Theatre, which was introduced last year to feature voices from across the entire nutraceutical supply chain, from contract manufacturers to finished products and beyond.
Also returning in 2026 are networking sessions created to facilitate industry dialogue, including the return of the Future of Nutrition Lunch & Learn. This year’s session will bring together industry experts to explore how biohacking and longevity science are shaping the next generation of nutraceutical innovation. Newly announced for this year, Professor Tim Spector OBE, Scientific Co-Founder at ZOE and Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, will appear as keynote speaker, with further details of his talk to be announced soon.
The Women’s Networking Breakfast also returns for 2026, featuring a panel discussion exploring how women’s health is shaping resilience, product development and business success across the industry. This fan-favourite session aims to create space for women to network and build meaningful relationships that last beyond the show floor, with interactive discussions focused on personal and professional growth.
Said Gareth Baguley, Brand Director, Vitafoods Europe, Informa Markets: “We are in what is perhaps the most dynamic period of nutraceutical innovation in recent history. Advances in science and technology are rapidly reshaping what is possible and raising expectations around how nutrition can support health. As a result, we are seeing a fundamental shift towards solutions that support health in more personalised, preventative and holistic ways. The Vitafoods Europe 2026 programme is designed to bring these shifts into sharp focus, enabling the global nutrition community to explore the ideas, research and collaborations that will define the next chapter of nutraceuticals.” For more visit Vitafoods Europe
