Five Key Takeaways from Vitafoods Europe 2025

Jun 2025

Five Key Takeaways from Vitafoods Europe 2025

Lincoln International recently attended Vitafoods Europe 2025 in Barcelona, a flagship event bringing together professionals across the global nutraceutical sector which continues to attract significant investor interest and growth. During the three-day event, Lincoln’s Consumer Group connected with sector professionals and identified five key themes shaping the ingredients segment of the nutraceutical industry.

Summary

Lincoln International’s sector specialist shares trends for the nutraceutical ingredient sector after attending Vitafoods Europe 2025.
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1	Digitization: Multi-functionality and sector convergence – Consumers are increasingly seeking holistic, science-backed solutions that support physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. This demand continues to drive convergence across food, supplements, beauty and pharma, blurring traditional category lines. Collagen, as an example, remains popular as a multi-functional nutraceutical, serving as a nutricosmetic that promotes “beauty from within” by enhancing skin and hair health, while also supporting gut and joint health as a nutritional ingredient.

2	Branded ingredients as a differentiator – As the market becomes more crowded, ingredient and extract processors are strengthening their B2B brands to ensure their nutraceuticals stand out. Discerning consumers (and therefore the pursuant supply chain of B2C brands and manufacturers) trust branded ingredients that provide greater assurance of superior efficacy, safety and transparency compared to commodity alternatives or lesser-known options.

3	Focus on sustainable sourcing – The industry continues its shift toward clean-label, plant-based and upcycled ingredients with sustainable and transparent supply chains. Developments include sustainably harvested marine collagen (from fish skins and scales), plant-based omega-3 sources (such as algal oil) and upcycled fruit and vegetable extracts derived from food industry by-products.

4	Continued innovations in bioavailability and delivery systems – Advances in bioavailability and delivery systems aim to enhance nutrient absorption and efficacy. Technologies such as nanoencapsulation, liposomal delivery and micelle formulations improve the stability and solubility of active ingredients, enabling targeted delivery and controlled release to optimize nutraceutical performance.

5	Increasing support from AI – Artificial intelligence is assisting the development of clinically backed nutraceutical ingredients by expediting ingredient discovery through rapid data mining, identifying bioactive compounds and predicting efficacy. In addition to shortening R&D cycles, AI supports clinical trials by recruiting qualified participants and analyzing results to uncover trends and measure success.

For investors, the nutraceutical ingredients industry presents promising opportunities for growth and consolidation. For industry players, embracing these themes can help capture market share and drive growth.

Lincoln International’s Consumer Group is uniquely positioned to support sponsors and management teams in navigating the evolving market landscape in 2025, whether seeking strategic acquisitions for growth or planning exit opportunities. Contact us today to explore your path to success in the second half of the year and beyond.