The recent Vitafoods Europe 2026 trade show brought to light important themes in the nutrition industry, including longevity, women’s health, novel delivery formats, the gut microbiome, and metabolic wellness. Attendees showcased innovative ingredients and consumer-focused solutions designed to address the growing demand for proactive health interventions.
During the event, Nutrition Insight engaged with key industry experts from companies such as Sirio, Lallemand Health Solutions, Kerry, Rousselot, Lubrizol Nutraceuticals, and IFF Health Sciences, exploring the most significant trends in nutrition.
Maria Pavlidou, head of brand at Sirio Europe, stated that longevity was a key focus at the expo, held in Barcelona, Spain, from May 5–7.
“In recent years, we’ve observed a surge in consumer interest for longevity supplements,” she explained. “Moreover, the concept of longevity is appealing to a younger demographic. These health-conscious individuals are keen on proactively managing their well-being. They recognize that while we are living longer, the question remains: are we living healthier?”
“Significant advancements in science are also evident,” Pavlidou added. “We collaborate with various ingredient suppliers to harness this emerging science.”
Sirio launched a new longevity platform called Aeion, integrating scientific ingredients within consumer-friendly delivery formats.
“Our entire product range emphasizes enhancing the consumer experience to foster long-term healthy habits,” Pavlidou emphasized. “Integrating longevity into a broader lifestyle is essential.”
Consistency is critical, so it is vital that consumers receive products that are enjoyable to consume and do not feel like a burden, she noted.
The Aeion portfolio features not only gummies and softgels but also exciting new formats. “We offer LifeChews, jelly tablets, and FizzyBits, which are mini effervescent tablets. Additionally, we’ve developed an innovative format called SnowMelt, a powder that effortlessly dissolves in the mouth, resembling melting snow due to its tiny particle size.”
Longevity through the gut
Lallemand Health Solutions showcased its probiotic product Cerenity for healthy aging.
Bérèngere Fuez, marketing director at Lallemand, explained: “This is among the pioneering probiotic combinations that demonstrate positive effects on muscle strength, mobility, vitality, and overall quality of life in older adults, showing tangible benefits.”
Experts shared insights on essential health trends and innovations at the event.“When we refer to improvements in mobility and muscle strength, we mean that participants in the study exhibited increased mobility, assessed through various tests, such as standing up or handgrip assessments.”
“These results have shown a significant advantage over placebo, and the improvements were evident within a mere two-month timeframe,” Fuez highlighted. “We conducted an in-depth analysis of muscle structure and identified positive changes, such as enhanced muscle architecture, length, and strength in the quadriceps.”
Although the product’s mechanism of action requires further exploration, she noted, “Gut dysbiosis is a prominent characteristic of aging. By addressing this issue, we aim to contribute positively to the overall health of older adults.”
Finding the right format
Exhibitors emphasized the critical role that supplement formats play in ensuring compliance and seamless integration into daily routines.
Jordan Dow, global vice president at Kerry, highlighted the necessity of tailoring formats to suit consumer usage patterns and preferences. For instance, he mentioned the possible benefits of sleep aid supplements utilizing Sensoril, Kerry’s ashwagandha root and leaf extract.
“Our new trial on Sensoril, expected to be published soon, suggests that it can help alleviate sleep issues,” he noted. “Through our conversations with consumers, we sought to determine which formats would be most beneficial for them.”
Dow stressed that consumers typically prefer not to take a capsule right before bedtime because it requires water. Additionally, they don’t want these products to have flavor after brushing their teeth.
We delved into protein trends in active nutrition with FrieslandCampina Ingredients.To address these concerns, the company aims to incorporate the extract into dissolving strips. “This presents a novel experience that is non-intrusive and won’t interfere with the taste of toothpaste or nighttime routines,” said Dow.
“This example illustrates how we apply consumer ethnographic research to pinpoint the optimal format for specific health conditions.”
Laura Collins, Ph.D., RD&A director in Cognitive Health at Kerry, added that life stages also influence format decisions. “As we age, our swallow reflex naturally declines, making gummies particularly appealing as a remedy.”
Additionally, she emphasized the significance of flavor in developing formats, referencing a cranberry sachet with Sensoril as an illustration.
“Since Sensoril is a herb, it possesses an earthy flavor and texture,” she mentioned. “What’s remarkable about our applications team is their ability to combine great taste with effective nutrition, ensuring that even earthy products deliver an enjoyable experience.”
Metabolic health applications
Lauretta Katsriku, global category leader in Collagen at Rousselot, shared insights regarding the company’s collagen peptide applications aimed at enhancing metabolic health, one of the standout trends gaining traction in nutrition. She reiterated the necessity of convenient formats.
“Consumers experience various types of fatigue, including powder and pill fatigue. We continuously strive to understand consumer needs and develop applications that evolve accordingly,” she explained.
For example, Katsriku highlighted Rousselot’s Nextida GC collagen peptide, which supports blood glucose control and is “very easy to formulate,” allowing it to be adapted into various formats showcased at Vitafoods Europe 2026, including tropical-flavored shots.
Beyond managing blood glucose levels, she stated that Rousselot is investigating potential applications for other metabolic health indicators, such as blood lipids, waist circumference, and weight management.
Lonza Capsugel showcased its plant-based capsules with a clean label claim during the event.“We are committed to exploring what more we can achieve,” she remarked. “Our aim goes beyond just blood sugar regulation; we want to comprehensively address a range of metabolic health markers.”
“Metabolic health is not merely a passing trend,” emphasized Katsriku. “It has long been recognized, but awareness of its role in overall health and functioning is becoming increasingly significant. The more metabolically healthy we are, the better we can support our overall well-being.”
Lubrizol’s “Women’s Temple”
Isabel Gómez, global marketing manager at Lubrizol Nutraceuticals, emphasized the company’s focus on consumers at their “Women’s Temple” during Vitafoods Europe 2026.
“We’ve developed numerous personas, such as ‘Julieta,’ a mother-to-be, and ‘Linneah,’ a career-driven professional,” she elaborated. “By placing the consumer at the forefront, we gain insights into their thoughts and needs.”
Each persona is associated with a specific core ingredient and product format tailored to their requirements, such as Curcushine (bioavailable curcumin extract) gummies, Lipofer iron powder, and Lipophytol capsules (plant sterols).
Gómez highlighted the advantages of microencapsulation in facilitating consumer-friendly formats. “Iron is particularly challenging to work with due to its reactivity and metallic taste,” she noted.
Ingood by Olga introduced innovative concepts surrounding Sulfodyne, a patented form of sulforaphane that supports healthy aging mechanisms.“We utilize a dual system technology to enhance iron’s bioavailability and stability, especially in gummies or liquid formulations where taste is crucial,” she elaborated. “Our robust encapsulation method ensures better bioavailability and dispersibility.”
Women’s wellness
Additionally, IFF Health Sciences highlighted the critical importance of women’s health at Vitafoods Europe 2026. Vanessa Azevedo, global product launch marketing lead, shared how the company has progressed from concentrating on digestive health to offering precise probiotics specifically for women.
Azevedo noted that the company has expanded beyond pregnancy, reproductive health, and vaginal care, venturing into menopause. “We discovered menopause is a complex realm with numerous unmet needs. We saw an opportunity to serve consumers more effectively.”
IFF Health Sciences has developed over five distinct concepts for women that support the “entire menopause journey.” One such innovation is The Mystic, a blend of probiotics and botanicals aimed at alleviating menopause symptoms like hot flashes, stress, and sleep disturbances. Azevedo presented this as a comprehensive solution for women navigating this life transition.
“We are also addressing various aspects of feminine wellness beyond digestive and intimate health, extending to energy and skin health. We provide specific probiotics for skin health and keratin for hair and nails, completing the women’s wellness and beauty regimen,” she elaborated.
Azevedo emphasized that listening to consumer feedback is vital for the development of their women’s health products. “We conduct consumer perception studies and real-life research, increasingly demanded by clients. They are not only seeking clinical trial data but also want insights into how consumers interact with products, their experiences, and motivations.”
