VITALITY HEALTH OF HUMANS

Vitafoods India 2024, a prominent nutraceutical trade show, took place from February 13th to 15th at Pavilion 1, Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, India. The event catered specifically to the region’s flourishing nutraceutical industry and was tailored to meet the unique needs of this rapidly growing market.

As part of the globally recognized Vitafoods brand, renowned for its presence in Europe and Asia, Vitafoods India 2024 aimed to bring together key players in the nutraceutical supply chain under one roof. This strategic move helped create a unified platform for exhibitors and attendees to explore, network, and collaborate within the industry.

The nutraceutical market in India is witnessing remarkable growth, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The market, which was valued at USD 4 billion in 2020, is projected to reach USD 18 billion by 2025, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.6% expected from 2025 to 2030.

Vitafoods India 2024, the second edition of the premier nutraceutical trade show hosted by Informa Markets, witnessed an impressive turnout with 7200 attendees across three days. This remarkable 94% growth in visitors compared to the previous year’s event is a testament to the increasing interest and relevance of the Indian nutraceutical market.

Several factors contribute to this significant growth, including increasing health consciousness among consumers, a growing middle-class population, and rising disposable incomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in driving demand for nutraceutical products, as people seek to improve their overall health and immunity.

At the inauguration ceremony of Vitafoods India 2024, Manoj Nesari, Adviser for Ayurveda at the Ministry of Ayurveda, emphasized the significance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern nutraceutical practices. Nesari highlighted the potential of India’s nutraceutical market, which has grown exponentially from $3 billion in 2014 to $18.2 billion in 2020, and is currently valued at around $24 billion. With a projected target of $200 billion over the next decade, this growth is driven by increasing global acceptance, research advancements, and policy support.

Nesari also stressed the importance of looking beyond conventional supplements and embracing Ayurvedic Aahar, which recognizes the immense potential of flavonoids and alkaloids found in medicinal plants and everyday foods. He emphasized that addressing key public health concerns, such as iron deficiency anemia, requires a shift from mere supplementation to improving nutrient absorption.

Nesari said, “The industry is evolving beyond conventional supplements to embrace Ayurvedic Aahar, recognising the immense potential of flavonoids and alkaloids found in medicinal plants and everyday foods. The thin line between food and medicine highlights the significance of functional ingredients like turmeric, amla, and triphala in promoting holistic well-being. Addressing key public health concerns, such as iron deficiency anemia, requires a shift from mere supplementation to improving nutrient absorption, a focus highlighted by initiatives like Mission Utkarsh.”

Dr. Subrata Gupta, IAS, the secretary at the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, GoI who said “The global nutrition market, valued at approximately USD 520-billion, is witnessing a growing emphasis on traditional and preventive healthcare. India’s share, estimated around USD 8-billion, highlights the sector’s vast potential, particularly in Ayurveda-based nutraceuticals.” He added, “The industry plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern healthcare by ensuring accessibility, traceability, and quality of herbal and plant-based products. With increasing global demand, standardisation, research-backed validation, and sustainable cultivation practices are critical to strengthening India’s position as a leader in the natural wellness sector.”

Gupta further highlighted, “Addressing challenges such as quality planting materials, processing gaps, and export compliance can significantly enhance the sector’s contribution to farmers, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. By leveraging advanced processing techniques like gamma irradiation to improve shelf life and expanding institutional support for small and medium enterprises, India is poised to not only reclaim its 5,000-year-old legacy in Ayurveda but also emerge as a dominant force in the international wellness industry.”

Speaking on the announcement of the 2nd edition of Vitafoods India, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said “As lifestyles in India undergo a transformative shift towards wellness, triggered by a surge in lifestyle-related diseases, Vitafoods India 2024 emerges as the trailblazer shaping the narrative. With the Indian nutraceutical industry witnessing a robust 25% annual growth during the pandemic, Vitafoods India stands at the forefront, offering a dynamic platform for innovation and collaboration. Positioned as a catalyst for a healthier future, Vitafoods India aligns seamlessly with the evolving demands of our wellness-driven society. Notably, as the dietary supplements market in India is projected to soar from USD 4 million in 2020 to an estimated USD 10 million by 2026, signifying an impressive 22% year-on-year growth, Vitafoods India 2024 paves the way for this remarkable industry transformation.”

By integrating traditional knowledge and modern practices, the nutraceutical industry can promote holistic well-being and address various health concerns effectively. Vitafoods India 2024 serves as a platform to facilitate this integration, driving growth and innovation in the nutraceutical sector.

Some of the notable participants at the event included KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Bio-gen Extracts, Brenntag, Omniactive Health Technologies, Roquette India Private Limited, Sami Sabinsa Group Ltd, and Krishna Enzytech/Collagen Lifesciences, among others.

Vitafoods India’s primary goal is to cultivate a nutraceuticals community that is well-informed and empowered. By providing a stage for industry professionals to showcase their offerings, network, and exchange ideas, Vitafoods India places businesses at the forefront of the nutraceuticals landscape. This strategic positioning enables companies to gain valuable exposure, generate potential leads, and ultimately fuel their growth within the industry.

Vitafoods India 2024 serves as a strategic gateway to the nutraceutical landscape, empowering businesses with maximum exposure to a global audience and fostering partnerships to drive growth in a market that continues to expand and evolve.The international character of Vitafoods India is a significant factor appreciated by attendees and exhibitors alike, as it enables them to connect their products and services with a diverse range of relevant business professionals from over 70 visiting countries. The expo serves as an ideal platform for participants to expand their global reach, engage with potential partners, and explore new business opportunities across borders.

India’s Nutraceutical Market: Key Insights from Vitafoods India 2025 by Dr. Anamika Banerji’s Expert Perspective, her session explored three transformative trends shaping India’s nutraceutical sector: the shift towards food as medicine, the influence of weight-loss drugs on dietary trends, and the rising interest in gut health.

India’s approach to “food as medicine” is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic principles, where food has been considered mahabhaisajya (the most superior medicine) for centuries. This traditional wisdom is now being validated by modern science and consumer behavior:

Ayurvedic Integration: Traditional Indian spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic are being scientifically validated for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and therapeutic properties

Functional Foods Growth: The functional foods market in India is expanding rapidly, with consumers seeking products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition

Preventive Healthcare Focus: There’s a marked shift from treatment to prevention, with 39% of Indians now using nutraceuticals regularly compared to 37% in 2019

Mr. Nishant Chachra, Vice-President, KSM-66 Ashwagandha highlighted the importance of clinical studies said “Our 50 clinical studies, 32 of which are published, uphold the gold standard, employing double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials across various health domains. Notably, we exclusively utilize roots to extract KSM-66, diverging from competitors who may incorporate aerial plant parts. Root components, historically favored in Ayurveda, offer superior benefits. Moreover, KSM exhibits exceptional organoleptic properties, being neutral in taste and highly soluble, facilitating its integration into more than 42 delivery formats. This versatility caters to evolving consumer preferences for innovative products such as gummies, chews, shots, functional food and beverages. Sustainability forms a cornerstone of our operations, underscored by our expansive 1500-acre farms in North India, providing us with complete control over sourcing. This commitment extends across our vertical integration in manufacturing, research and development, and quality control, exemplified by our attainment of 43 global certifications. With over 2500 global brands placing their trust in KSM-66, the sale of over 2.1 billion dosages in 2023 alone attests to its efficacy. Through partnerships with brands like Centrum, HealthKart and Fast&Up etc in India, we ensure that the valuable benefits of Ashwagandha are readily available and accessible to consumers seeking health and wellness solutions both online and offline.”

As Indian consumers embrace holistic health and functional nutrition, the demand for weight management solutions and gut health supplements is rising. This engaging session on “India’s Nutraceutical Market: Key Trends in Weight Management and Gut Health” presented by Rushikesh Aravkar, Director, India Reports, Mintel, explored the intersection of food, medicine, and innovation—unpacking key market trends and consumer behaviors shaping the future of nutraceuticals.

The Indian nutraceutical market is experiencing a fundamental shift away from quick-fix mentality toward sustainable, long-term nutritional approaches. This transformation reflects a growing consumer sophistication and understanding that true wellness requires consistent, science-backed interventions rather than temporary solutions.

Sustainable nutrition practices are gaining prominence, with consumers increasingly seeking products that support long-term health outcomes. The shift emphasizes whole food nutrition, balanced macronutrients, and personalized approaches that align with individual health goals and lifestyle patterns. This trend is particularly evident in the weight management segment, where consumers are moving away from extreme calorie restriction toward balanced, nutrient-dense approaches.

The modern Indian consumer is embracing a holistic approach to wellness that integrates physical, mental, and emotional health. This comprehensive view has led to increased demand for functional foods and supplements that address multiple health dimensions simultaneously. Products targeting mental wellness, adaptogens, and nootropics are experiencing significant growth as consumers seek solutions that enhance cognitive function while managing stress.

Plant-based and natural products are gaining substantial traction, with ingredients like turmeric, ashwagandha, and spirulina becoming mainstream due to their natural health-promoting properties. This aligns with the growing trend toward sustainability, as consumers increasingly prefer products with lower environmental impact.

The gut health supplements market in India is experiencing remarkable growth, valued at USD 507.05 million in 2024 and projected to reach USD 1,458.16 million by 2033, representing a CAGR of 11.53%. This expansion reflects growing consumer awareness of the gut-brain connection and the microbiome’s role in overall health, immunity, and mental wellness.

Scientific research highlighting the gut’s production of 90% of serotonin and its impact on mood regulation has elevated gut health from a niche concern to a mainstream wellness priority. Consumers are increasingly understanding that digestive health influences immune function, mental clarity, and overall well-being, driving demand for comprehensive gut health solutions.

The gut health segment is witnessing significant innovation in product formats and formulations:

Probiotic-Based Solutions: Traditional probiotic supplements containing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains are being enhanced with 15-50 billion CFUs and multiple strain combinations to provide comprehensive gut microbiome support. These products are gaining widespread acceptance for their ability to enhance gut flora, improve nutrient absorption, and strengthen immunity.

Prebiotic and Synbiotic Formulations: The market is shifting toward prebiotic and synbiotic products that combine probiotics with prebiotics, offering all-in-one solutions for gut health support. These formulations incorporate diverse fiber sources such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) to nourish existing gut bacteria while introducing beneficial strains.

Functional Food Integration: Gut health ingredients are being incorporated into functional foods and beverages, including yogurt, kefir, and kombucha, making gut health support more accessible and convenient for consumers. This trend reflects the broader movement toward food as medicine, where health benefits are seamlessly integrated into daily dietary choices.

OmniActive Health Technologies is a leading global supplier of scientifically validated, IP-protected Specialty Actives and natural Botanical Actives for the nutrition industry. With a focus on innovation and scientific research, OmniActive empowers nutrition brands worldwide to meet the demands of the ever-evolving health and wellness market. Their unique, high-quality ingredients enable companies to create standout products that cater to various health needs and preferences.

OmniActive’s extensive product portfolio includes a range of branded Specialty Actives and natural Botanical Actives, all of which undergo rigorous scientific validation and are IP-protected. This ensures that their customers receive effective and safe ingredients that can provide tangible health benefits to end consumers.

With a strong commitment to customer success, OmniActive partners with clients through its global sales and distribution networks, as well as its state-of-the-art R&D centers and production facilities in India. This comprehensive approach enables the company to support its customers throughout the product development process, helping them create innovative, high-quality products that meet the needs of the dynamic health and wellness industry.

Our cutting-edge Global Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation Center is committed to maintaining the highest standards of product excellence. By constantly pushing the boundaries of ingredient development and exploring novel delivery methods, we strive to create innovative solutions that cater to the ever-evolving needs of the health and wellness industry.

Our dedicated team of researchers and innovators places a strong emphasis on customization, ensuring that our products are tailored to meet the specific requirements of our clients. Additionally, we understand the importance of speed to market in the competitive landscape of health and wellness, which is why we prioritize efficient product development and timely delivery.

Through our global network of R&D facilities and our ongoing investment in technology and talent, we remain at the forefront of ingredient innovation. This relentless pursuit of excellence allows us to provide our customers with industry-leading solutions that drive success in the health and wellness market.

Botanic Healthcare is a forward-thinking company specializing in the identification, development, and manufacture of innovative nutra ingredients. With a passionate team of inventors and nutritionists, we strive to challenge conventional wisdom through pioneering research and development, and a customer-centric approach. By doing so, we aim to redefine the way health is achieved and perceived.

Our commitment to eco-friendly technologies in our manufacturing processes enables us to create new ingredients that address the ever-evolving challenges in healthcare and nutrition. Through this approach, we not only contribute to the well-being of individuals but also minimize our environmental footprint.

What sets Botanic Healthcare apart is our unwavering dedication to excellence in producing high-quality, bio-available ingredients. Our products are suitable for use across various industries, including health, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, providing global clients with reliable and innovative solutions to enhance their offerings. As a result, Botanic Healthcare continues to make a significant impact on the health and wellness landscape worldwide.

Sylvestre Natural Ingredients is a Brazil-based company that specializes in producing natural ingredients for health, well-being, and beauty. With a focus on botanical extracts, the company offers powdered and other natural ingredient forms derived from plants, fruits, and flowers.

As a subsidiary of the BioTae Group, Sylvestre Natural Ingredients leverages over 25 years of experience in the botanical extracts industry to develop and manufacture innovative dry or liquid extracts, fruits, herbs, and vegetable powders for various applications. Their products cater to a wide range of industries, including nutritional, dietary supplements, food, functional food, beverages, cosmetics, and pet care.

Sylvestre Natural Ingredients’ team of professionals is dedicated to creating customized natural solutions tailored to customer specifications, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, eco-friendly, and customizable products that meet the evolving needs of the health and wellness market.

Zeus Hygia Lifesciences is a Hyderabad-based, science-driven nutraceutical research company that specializes in the development and manufacture of innovative nutraceutical ingredients. Founded and managed by technical experts with extensive experience in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, Zeus Hygia Lifesciences offers a broad range of specialty ingredients and nature’s identical food colors for various sectors, including beverages, dietary supplements, functional food, feed, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceutical industries.

The company’s core strength lies in its commitment to scientific research and development, which enables it to create high-quality, innovative products that cater to the evolving needs of the global nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and food industries. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Zeus Hygia Lifesciences strives to provide tailored solutions and top-notch technical support to help clients achieve their product development goals.

Zeus Hygia Lifesciences operates from a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and is well-equipped to develop, produce, and market a wide array of nutraceutical ingredients. The company’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service has positioned it as a trusted partner for clients seeking to incorporate cutting-edge nutraceutical ingredients into their product offerings.

Supporting India’s Supplements Industry,” presented by Terence O’Rorke, Senior Business Development Manager, APAC, LGC ASSURE at vitafoods India 2025, highlighted the critical role that quality assurance and testing programs play in supporting India’s rapidly growing supplements and nutraceutical sector. The session provided valuable insights into how the INFORMED family of certification programs is helping to elevate standards across the Indian market while addressing the increasing demand from brands, manufacturers, and consumers for safer, more reliable products.

A significant focus of O’Rorke’s presentation centered on the INFORMED Manufacturer program, which represents new developments in facility certification. This program provides certification for facilities that manufacture and supply sports and dietary supplement products.

The INFORMED Manufacturer program was developed specifically to help minimize the risk of banned substance contamination within facilities that manufacture and supply dietary and sports supplement products and ingredients. Through years of research and analysis of more than 50,000 supplements, LGC has identified that standard quality control practices may not be sufficient to prevent cross-contamination with low levels of substances prohibited in sport.

The INFORMED Manufacturer program was developed specifically to help minimize the risk of banned substance contamination within facilities that manufacture and supply dietary and sports supplement products and ingredients. Through years of research and analysis of more than 50,000 supplements, LGC has identified that standard quality control practices may not be sufficient to prevent cross-contamination with low levels of substances prohibited in sport.

The certification process involves regular site audits and manufacturing facility swabbing, helping first and third-party supplement manufacturers identify and resolve risks within their processes. This unique certification provides an in-depth analysis of critical control processes, enabling facilities to optimize quality control procedures to reduce contamination risks

The timing of O’Rorke’s presentation coincides with remarkable growth in India’s sports nutrition and supplements sector. The India sports nutrition market reached USD 1.76 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.72% to reach USD 3.31 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by rising health consciousness, increasing fitness trends among urban consumers, and the surge in gym memberships and sporting activities.

O’Rorke emphasized the increasing demand from Indian brands, manufacturers, and consumers for quality assurance programs. This trend reflects the industry’s commitment to raising manufacturing standards and consumer assurance. Following his presentation at Vitafoods India 2025, O’Rorke noted that “the most encouraging aspect of the trip was the interest shown in the INFORMED programs by Indian brands and manufacturers”.

K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt. Ltd. is a GMP-certified manufacturer and exporter of high-quality Botanical Extracts and Phytochemicals based in India. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and an annual extraction capacity of over 7000 metric tons, the company is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for natural and plant-based ingredients in the global market. K. Patel Phyto Extractions’ in-house laboratory is fully equipped with modern instruments and testing devices, ensuring rigorous quality control and adherence to international standards.

Holding multiple accreditations such as ISO 9001:2015, Kosher, Halal, GMP, NSF-GMP, FSSC 22000, USDA-Organic, and having been recently audited by the USFDA, the company has a strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards in production and quality.

K. Patel Phyto Extractions offers over 40 extracts on a regular basis, including Curcumin, Boswellia, Garcinia, Ashwagandha, Senna, Coleus, Green Coffee Beans, Bacopa, Fenugreek, Pomegranate, Cissus, and many others. As one of the largest manufacturers of Calcium Sennosides in India, they export their premium botanical extracts to more than 30 countries worldwide, catering to various industries such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and food and beverages.

With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable partner for businesses seeking high-quality, safe, and effective botanical extracts for their products.

The Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA) hosted an interactive panel discussion on “Integration into Functional Foods and Beverages – enriching food recipes with value-added ingredients and botanicals” at Vitafoods India 2025. The panel brought together leading industry professionals who represent diverse expertise across the nutraceutical and functional foods ecosystem.

The panel discussion addressed several critical aspects of functional foods and beverages integration:

Enhanced Health Benefits Through Functional Ingredients.

The discussion highlighted the integration of functional ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics, botanicals, vitamins, and minerals to create products that deliver targeted health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for products that support immune health, digestive wellness, and overall well-being.

Technical Challenges in Formulation

Industry experts addressed the complex technical challenges involved in ensuring ingredient stability, bioavailability, and sensory optimization in functional food formulations. These challenges include maintaining the efficacy of bioactive compounds during processing, storage, and consumption while ensuring acceptable taste and texture profiles.

Consumer Demand and Market Trends

The panel emphasized the increasing consumer demand for clean-label, plant-based, and sustainably sourced functional products. This trend reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior toward health-conscious choices and transparency in ingredient sourcing.

Regulatory Compliance and Scientific Validation

A significant focus was placed on regulatory compliance and the critical need for scientifically substantiated health claims to ensure market credibility. This addresses one of the industry’s primary challenges in establishing consumer trust and meeting regulatory requirements across different markets.

Innovation and Future Technologies

The discussion explored emerging innovations, including AI-driven personalization and advanced ingredient technologies that are shaping the future of functional foods and beverages. These technological advances enable customized nutrition solutions based on individual health data and dietary needs.

Market Context and Industry Significance

The panel discussion took place within the context of India’s rapidly expanding nutraceutical market, which is projected to grow from USD 4 billion in 2020 to USD 18 billion by 2025. The global functional food and beverage market has been valued at over $281 billion and is forecast to exceed half a trillion by 2028.

Roquette Pharma Solutions is a leading provider of safe and high-quality ingredients and raw materials for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biopharmaceutical industries. With a mission to create a better and healthier future for generations to come, the company partners with customers to tackle the most complex challenges in drug delivery, ultimately supporting the development of life-saving treatments worldwide.

As a trusted and reliable drug delivery partner, Roquette Pharma Solutions pushes the boundaries of product development and offers a diverse portfolio of excipients, active ingredients, and APIs. Adhering to rigorous regulatory standards, the company ensures the safety and efficacy of its products, contributing to improved patient outcomes and overall healthcare advancements.

With a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, Roquette Pharma Solutions plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry and positively impacting the health and well-being of people around the world.

Anaha LifeCare is a distinguished organization that excels in the development of Nutraceutical and Natural Cosmetic Formulations. With a steadfast commitment to quality, safety, and efficacy, the company prioritizes formulations that are clinically proven and rooted in scientific research. By focusing on natural ingredients, Anaha LifeCare aims to promote health and well-being while catering to the growing demand for clean and sustainable personal care solutions.

The company’s expertise in creating innovative and results-driven products sets it apart in the industry, making it a trusted partner for those seeking high-quality nutraceutical and cosmetic formulations. Anaha LifeCare’s dedication to evidence-based product development ensures that consumers can rely on the safety and effectiveness of its offerings, ultimately leading to improved health, vitality, and confidence.