Barcelona, Spain
06/05/2026 – 07/05/2026
About the event
Vitafoods Europe 2026 is one of the world’s leading events for the nutraceutical industry, bringing together the entire health and nutrition ecosystem under one roof. Taking place from 5–7 May 2026 in Barcelona, the event connects ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, brands, and industry experts from across the globe.
With a strong focus on innovation, science, and market trends, Vitafoods Europe offers a dynamic platform to discover new products, gain insights through high-level conferences, and build meaningful partnerships. From functional ingredients to finished products, it showcases the latest developments shaping the future of health and wellness.
ILSI Europe's sessions
Panel Discussion | Do all paths lead to the gut? NPD opportunities driven by gut connections - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 1:30 PM to 2:10 PM · 40 min. (Europe/Paris)
Conference Theatre, 5A6
We have often heard, "we are what we eat." Emerging science now shows this is not just a saying but a biological reality, with the gut acting as a central communication hub influencing multiple systems in the body. The gut has rapidly become the powerhouse of health, with more research emerging to support its role in influencing mood, cognition, immunity, and metabolic health among others. For the nutraceutical industry, this raises an important question: are gut-mediated pathways where NPD opportunities lie? This panel will explore the latest science linking gut health to broader physiological systems and discuss the rise of microbiome-targeted ingredients. We will examine where the evidence is strongest versus where hype may outpace data. Join experts as they debate whether the gut is truly the industry's ultimate hub.
ILSI Europe's ambassador Bruno Pot (Yakult Europe) will participate in the panel.
Beyond the injection: Microbiome, GLP-1 and the new reality of weight management - Thursday, May 7, 2026 12:05 PM to 12:45 PM · 40 min. (Europe/Paris)
Conference Theatre, 5A6
GLP-1 therapies are reshaping weight management but what role does the microbiome play in optimising outcomes? This session explores how probiotics and prebiotics may complement GLP-1–driven pathways in metabolic regulation and appetite control. Moving beyond mechanisms, it brings in the consumer reality: what people actually experience while on GLP-1 medications, and what this means for product development. Industry-relevant insights will highlight opportunities, limitations, and unmet needs, while identifying key knowledge gaps and priority research questions to guide innovation in nutrition solutions aligned with this rapidly evolving landscape.
The session, moderated by our Exective and Scientific Director Isabelle Guelinckx, will feature two presentations delivered by ILSI Europe experts Kelly Dowson (F!S Group) and Keiran Tuohy (Leeds University).