Bangalore to host nutraceuticals' summit in 2014

The ninth edition of the Nutra India Summit, the flagship event of the nutrition, nutraceuticals, functional foods and dietary supplements industry, will be held here March 12-14, 2014.

"With India emerging as a wellness and health-conscious nation, there is an increasing awareness of nutritionals, nutraceuticals and health food products, thanks to the country's rich bio-diversity and wealth of natural resources," summit chairman V. Prakash told reporters here late Tuesday.

To be organised by the International Society for Nutraceuticals, Nutritionals and Naturals (ISNNaN) and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Ltd, the three-day event provides a platform for exporters, importers, sourcing firms, production and purchase professionals, doctors, nutritionists and research and development (R&D) heads.

With 'New Sutra for Nutra for emerging global economics' as the theme, the summit will focus on the latest trends, strategies, opportunities and challenges in the nutraceutical space.

"The summit will also facilitate researchers and policy makers from Indian and international nutraceutical sector to deliberate on the latest innovations and developments in the field for insights," Prakash, a scientist of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), said at a preview of the event.

The conferences, with participation from 22 countries, including Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Germany and the US will discuss trends and opportunities in the sector spanning product innovation in functional foods, dietary supplements and ingredients.

"The summit will play a crucial role in knowledge sharing, finding avenues for business growth in the nutra industry and facilitate symbiotic linkages between global nutra industry with the Indian markets," Prakash said.

A special session will be dedicated during the summit to doctors, nutritionists, dietitians, researchers and students of nutrition science to discuss on health and lifestyle concerns in food habits and dietary supplements to create awareness on food safety and security for the welfare of society.

The eight edition of the summit, held in Mumbai in March this year, witnessed participation from 20 countries, 650 delegates from about 300 firms and 70 exhibitors.