The promise of beauty, healthy aging, and overall wellness at Vitafoods Asia

Southeast Asia’s market for supplements/nutraceuticals is expected to grow from USD 41 billion in 2026 to USD 99 billion in 2036. The region’s demographic profile, spanning the youthful populations of Indonesia and the Philippines to the aging populations of Thailand and Singapore, drives a wide spectrum of health and nutritional needs. Such diversity offers opportunities for food and beverage companies to advance formulations and personalized nutrition.

At this year’s Vitafoods Asia, thousands of ingredients, semi‑finished, and finished products were featured in six halls of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok from September 2–4, 2026. Over 800 exhibiting companies filled their booths with products targeting the region’s health and nutritional needs.

“Consumers are looking for practical, trustworthy solutions that fit into every life, from nutritional support for active living and healthy aging to products that address digestion, immunity, beauty, sleep, and mental well-being, Mr. Manu Leopairote, chairman of Informa Markets (Thailand), said in his opening speech. "These create challenges, but also remarkable opportunity for our industry to serve more informed and increasingly diverse consumers. At the same time, the opportunity must be met with responsibility, business that succeeds over our long-term well-being, those that combine innovation with quality, transparency.”  

Mr. Manu Leopairote, chairman, Informa Markets (Thailand)

Innovations that capture Asia’s preferences

Among the products featured at the Innovation Zone was Gnosis by Lesaffre’s MYCONDRO™, an alternative to animal‑derived chondroitin, which is clinically proven to help reduce knee pain. For skin health, the French company also introduced Emothion™, a premium glutathione that is directly absorbed and transformed inside cells to promote clear and visibly healthier complexions.

Puredia from the United States showcased its award‑winning product Omegia™, designed as a skin hydration ingredient to lock in moisture, contribute to skin elasticity, and support healthy collagen density in the skin.

Sports & Active Nutrition by Probi®, a Symrise Group company, highlighted its proprietary probiotic strain LP299V® (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v), an ingredient whose benefits include improved cardiovascular function, nutrient absorption, and better performance biomarkers.

Nexira’s cellular longevity booster, Nu4Life™ was developed to act at the core of cellular aging. It delivers ready‑to‑use nucleotides to the cells that support energy, stability, and regeneration while sparing metabolic resources. The clean‑label ingredient is derived from yeast extract.

Aker Biomarine offers phospholipid-bound omega-3s in krill to help reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases.  Krill is sourced from a krill fishery in the Antarctic, ensuring the sustainability of the ingredient, according to Mr Ross Norris, General Manager APAC, Aker Biomarine Antarctic Australia Pty Ltd. 

Aker Biomarine takes pride in its Omega-3s derived from sustainable krill 

Other leading names at the event included India’s Ixoreal Biomed, the developer of KSM‑66 ashwagandha produced for athletic performance, muscle recovery, sexual health, hormone regulation, and cognitive health. Their new flagship product is SRI‑81 Shatavari, which targets women’s health.

Kaneka Nutrients is the company behind Ubiquinol™, the active antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) that is designed to support cellular energy production and heart health, as well as healthy aging.

Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd showcased its premium line of human-residential bifidobacteria (HSB) probiotic strains for mental and cognitive health, immune health, skin health and metabolic health.  The Japanese company also introduced its postbiotics for a wide of range applications in food and beverage.

Japanese manufacturer, Nutrition Act offers proprietary ingredients and OEM dietary supplements that target rejuvenation and reverse aging.

Ascend is known for bio‑based magnesium glycinate, an ingredient that enhances sleep and relaxation.

Catalo showcased end-to-end capabilities and specific products including PureSea seaweed as a natural source of iodine which can be incorporated easily into health formulations.

Also at the event, several OEM and ODM companies showcased their capabilities in dietary supplements such as Hanpoong Nature Pharm from South Korea and Health Sources Nutrition Co. Ltd in China.

Balancing health and taste

F&B manufacturers riding the health and wellness trend know that functional ingredients can enhance the market appeal of everyday products. Ingredients such as whey protein, collagen, fiber, and probiotics have found their way into formats like yogurt, ready‑to‑drink beverages, confectionery, and baked goods, just to name a few. But the gummy remains the most popular format for incorporating health ingredients. It’s no wonder big gummy bears were spotted at Vitafoods Asia.

As Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of the Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC), NSTDA said during the opening ceremony at Vitafoods Asia: “The most exciting question among our community is not only what is the next ingredient, but it is also how can we ensure that a promising ingredient delivers a real fast and measurable benefit to the people.”

Formulating food and beverage products with functional ingredients may sound simple, but the product development reality is far more complex. Each nutrient comes with its own stability, taste, and bioavailability challenges that can only be overcome with the proper technologies and production processes.

For instance, to maintain the benefits of probiotics, they must be processed in a stable environment like dairy. They have to be shielded from heat, oxygen, and gastric acid until they reach the human gut. In the same way, protein added to a food or beverage is only beneficial when it is first processed and stabilized to withstand production and storage conditions.

Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of the Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC), NSTDA

Dr. Ruktanonchai reminded that, more importantly, products have to be backed by science. “Innovation should never be judged by novelty alone. A product must be accessed through evidence. It is must be supported by appropriate research, responsible claims, as well as rigorous quality control.”

One thing that manufacturers also know is that their products must also deliver on taste. No matter how healthy a product is, if it does not taste good, it will not succeed in the market.

From Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur

Vitafoods Asia takes on another chapter in its 15 years as it announces the move to the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from September 21 to 23, 2027.

Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets

Explaining the rationale to the media, Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN at Informa Markets, said that Malaysia has established multiple Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with many countries, making it a leader in regulatory alignment. It is also halal‑certified, which enables broad export opportunities. Malaysia also offers a venue facility that is fully prepared to host this nutraceuticals event. Ms. Chitanuwat added that, based on their surveys, visitors from countries like Indonesia and Singapore prefer destinations that are closer and more convenient.

No matter where Vitafoods Asia is held, it remains a key venue for Southeast Asia’s manufacturers to connect with companies that provide the technical expertise and solutions needed to develop on-trend products.