Vitafoods Europe, Europe’s leading trade fair for nutraceuticals, dietary ingredients and innovative health solutions, took place in May 2025.
This year the event was held in Barcelona for the first time, and the change of location has not changed the main thing: Vitafoods remains a key point of intersection of science, technology and business in the field of health, where global trends are formed.
Over the course of several days, more than 30 expert lectures, cutting-edge developments, visual, taste and tactile novelties – all this allowed you to literally feel what the market will be like tomorrow.
The exhibition brought together industry leaders, biotechnology, manufacturing, marketing and research specialists.
Below is an overview of key topics, lectures and booths, including revolutionary solutions like the KSM-66 Experience Center and “products of the future” with clinically proven efficacy.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha Experience Center: 8 “S” – Sensory Revolution
One of the brightest new products of 2025 was the KSM-66 interactive center located at booth 3G70. Introduced for the first time in Europe, it offered 8 key “S”:
- Sourcing (source of raw materials)
- Supply Chain (supply chain transparency)
- Science (clinical evidence base)
- Safety (toxicology and safety)
- Sustainability
- Sensory Experience (smell, taste, texture)
- Social Impact (social mission)
- Surprise.
Participants were literally immersed in the product with all their senses: seeing, touching, tasting, listening.
The KSM-66 positioning model emphasizes not just the extract, but the whole story of its origin, scientific basis and effects on the body.
NaturaCare’s Sensory Corner Experience – challenging the perception of flavor
One of the most unexpected and memorable formats at the exhibition was the new Sensory Corner organized by NaturaCare. This was a sensory experiment in which participants went through a four-stage tasting process. Effervescence, visual stimuli, aromas and “secret taste” created an effect of complete sensory disorientation.
The aim was to demonstrate how smell, sight and texture influence our perception of flavor. Participants were asked to guess the ingredients and uncover the secret flavor by competing in receptor acuity.
This activity was a reminder that the future of nutraceuticals is as much about perception as it is about formula.
What it looks like: nutraceutical trends through formats and packaging
At Vitafoods Europe 2025, visual images played a key role in the perception of brands.
Among the solutions presented at the exhibition, several key trends reflecting current trends in nutraceuticals were clearly identified:
Bioavailability and innovative delivery forms
The exhibition paid special attention to innovative delivery technologies aimed at increasing bioavailability and convenience. Among the most notable formats:
- Double-shell capsules for consistent release of ingredients;
- effervescent tablets – convenient to take and have quick dissolution;
- powders in ampoules and jars – the solution for precise dosage and ease of application;
- chewable vitamins and candies with active ingredients – combining effectiveness and consumer appeal.
These formats not only provide better absorption, but also increase compliance – especially among children and adults who are tired of pills.
Next-generation biotics
Products with probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics – particularly those based on Lactobacillus gasseri and synbiotic complexes – are clearly distinguished on the showcases. The focus is shifting towards gut health, emotional comfort and skin microbiota – brands are increasingly combining aesthetics and real physiological effects.
Extracts with clinical validation
A host of booths showcased premium extracts such as:
- Ashwagandha KSM-66 – with a full range of sensory features;
- peach, pomegranate, curcumin, boswellia – as part of anti-aging and anti-inflammatory solutions;
- Lactotransferrin and collagen – as skin and immune system aids.
Beauty-from-within approach (beauty-from-within)
Formulas with collagen, zinc, B vitamins and antioxidants are actively presented at the stands. Chewable vitamins and capsules are positioned as products for glowing skin, strong hair and overall glow-effect.
Stands as art objects
Several exhibits are decorated on a contemporary art level – with moss walls, backlighting, podiums with transparent flasks and rotating displays. This emphasizes the movement of the nutraceutical industry towards the lifestyle & wellness category.
Main topics of scientific reports: from microbiome to cellular energy
Women’s health, hormone balance and menopause
One of the central themes of the exhibition was nutraceuticals for women 40+.
- Alternatives to hormone therapy were discussed : isoflavones, vitamins D, B6, magnesium, omega-3.
- Emphasis was placed on sleep improvement, mood stabilization, and cognitive support.
- There has been a rapid growth in interest in personalized solutions – taking into account biomarkers and hormonal fluctuations.
- Nootropics and non-addictive emotional modulators are gaining popularity.
Conclusion: the market needs a “ProAge” line with a focus on menopause, mental comfort and prevention of age-related changes.
The microbiome: from the gut to the brain, skin and immunity
Presentations and expositions of the companies showed that microbiome is not just a fashionable term, but a new system of coordinates.
- Symbiotics, postbiotics, spore probiotics, and molecules affecting the gut-brain axis have been presented.
- The role of SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) in influencing the production of serotonin and satiety hormones has been extensively discussed.
- Solutions for stress, anxiety, PMS and sleep recovery through microbiota modulation were discussed.
Conclusion: it’s worth developing hybrid products – probiotics + enzymes + micronutrients – with a focus on emotional health.
GLP-1 and appetite control: from nutrient to biomarker
The hormone GLP-1 is one of the key regulators of appetite and glucose metabolism.
- Natural GLP-1 modulators discussed: yam extract, chromium, dietary fiber.
- The use of CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) allows personalization of nutraceutical intake.
Conclusion: it’s worth creating an anti-sugar product with GLP-1 activators and offering it paired with digital nutrition monitoring platforms.
Aging, energy and molecules of the future: NAD+, NMN, NR
The decline in NAD+ levels with age affects energy, sleep, and recovery.
- NMN and NR are proven NAD+ precursors with high potential in anti-aging and biohacking applications.
- Presentations showed clinical data on improving metabolism, memory, sleep and endurance.
Conclusion: potential to launch a premium line for 35+ with positioning in the “energy + brain + longevity” zone.
Delivery forms and technologies: from capsule to liquid forms
A great deal of attention has been paid to delivery-systems, especially:
- liposomal forms, caps-in-caps, shots and gels
- Proven bioavailability (presentations with microscopic and gastro-resistant tests)
- stands with open capsules and ingredients inside looked like art installations – aesthetics + credibility
Conclusion: new shapes = not only fashion, but also competitive advantage. A strong visual for e-commerce and pharmacies.
Emotional branding and marketing “through caring”
- People don’t buy ingredients, they buy stories and meanings.
- Women’s brands, local identity, community and a “care, not cure” format are valued.
Conclusion: it’s worth changing the brand tone from “problem solving” to “support and attention”.
Products of the Future: General Overview
The exhibition showcased a wide range of solutions reflecting the shift from traditional supplement forms to more advanced and user-friendly formats. Liposomal complexes, dual-release capsules, chewables, and effervescent tablets were highlighted for their improved bioavailability and enhanced consumer experience in everyday routines.
Functional Focus Areas
Key product concepts focused on hormonal balance for women, stress and sleep support, eye health, glucose regulation, anti-aging, and boosting cellular energy. Many of the formulas combine clinically supported ingredients—antioxidants, vitamins, probiotics, postbiotics, and botanical extracts—in synergistic blends designed for targeted health outcomes.
Convenience and Adaptability
The new generation of products is designed for active lifestyles—many formats require no water and are suitable for on-the-go use. Packaging and delivery systems reflect a strong consumer-centric approach, confirming that nutraceuticals are moving closer to the lifestyle and personalized wellness category.
Conclusion
Vitafoods 2025 showed that nutraceuticals are changing fast. It’s not just about pills anymore.
At Delta Medical, we’re always looking for new ways to help patients. What we saw in Barcelona gives us clear direction for our products:
Better formats – things people actually want to take
Smarter formulas – that work with how the body really functions
Real solutions – not just treating problems, but helping people stay healthy
We’ve built our reputation on bringing the latest innovations to patients before anyone else. The new delivery methods, personalized approaches, and proven ingredients from Vitafoods 2025 are exactly what we’re looking for.
Now we turn these ideas into products that actually work, products our patients can trust and feel good about taking.
