The Programme

• State of the Market:

  Once a niche market primarily serving athletes, the active nutrition category has expanded to include a broader audience, from casual fitness enthusiasts to older adults seeking to maintain an active lifestyle. With this evolution comes new trends, but how exactly is consumer demand for performance-focused nutrition influencing product innovation, investment strategies, and competitive positioning? This session will be a deep dive into the latest data on market share, emerging trends, and key financial plays shaping this fast-growing industry.

  

• Redefining Weight Management:

  In the evolving field of active nutrition, weight management is becoming increasingly accessible, thanks to the democratisation of weight loss. This shift promotes inclusive approaches that de-stigmatise conversations about body weight, empowering individuals to pursue health goals without the burden of societal judgment. The rise of GLP-1 drugs has further revolutionised the industry, reshaping expectations around weight management and offering opportunities for complementary nutritional strategies. This trend challenges nutrition professionals to integrate science-based solutions while maintaining a holistic, personalised approach to health and wellness.

  

• Mind Health:

  Mind health has become critical for many active consumers, with growing interest in areas such as clearer focus, stress management, memory support, and improved sleep. As the connection between nutrition and cognitive well-being becomes more evident, both academics and the industry are paying attention to this dynamic field. Nutritional solutions for mind health are diverse, ranging from traditional Ayurvedic herbs to probiotics and medicinal mushrooms. Ingredients supporting the gut-brain axis and sleep-enhancing supplements are also increasingly incorporated into sports nutrition. Athletes are turning to anti-inflammatory ingredients for better recovery and cognitive support, while adaptogens help manage stress and improve performance under pressure. This holistic approach to mind-body connection acknowledges the role of mental resilience, mindfulness, and recovery in overall sports performance, offering vast opportunities for innovation in the field of mind health.

  

• ‘Ageless’ Consumption:

  As the active nutrition market expands, it now caters to consumers of all ages, from teenagers to those in their later years. A growing number of older athletes are challenging traditional age norms by embracing new hobbies and fitness goals, creating a need for products that support their health and performance. The industry is responding by developing solutions that cater to this "ageless" mindset, with a focus on musculoskeletal health. Products designed for youth athletes are also gaining attention, ensuring that active individuals of all ages can maintain their vitality and well-being.

  

• Personalisation and New Technologies:

  Advancements in wearable technology and health testing have transformed personalised nutrition from a luxury into a necessity for optimising athletic performance. With tools like continuous glucose monitors, DNA testing for nutrigenomics, and microbiome analysis, consumers can now receive highly tailored nutritional guidance. Bio wearables track key metrics such as blood sugar, hormone levels, and physical activity, while AI-driven platforms provide real-time recommendations for diet and supplementation. This integration of digital tools allows for personalised nutrition plans that enhance performance, recovery, and overall health, based on an individual's unique genetic makeup, gut health, and lifestyle. The future of active nutrition is increasingly personalised, data-driven, and dynamic, offering endless possibilities for supporting active consumers.

  

• The Female Athlete:

  The historic 50/50 gender split at the recent Olympics has highlighted the importance of understanding the unique nutrition needs of female athletes. This field is rapidly growing, driven by increased research, consumer interest, and innovation. Issues such as disordered eating and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) are gaining attention, as are the specific challenges faced by female athletes, including menopause and conditions like PCOS. As female athletes push the boundaries of performance, the industry must continue to develop targeted solutions that support their health and performance at every stage of life, from elite competition to post-menopausal wellness.

  

• Innovation and Investment:

  The active nutrition sector thrives on innovation, with companies continuously adapting to evolving trends, consumer expectations, and scientific advancements. This section of the event will showcase some of the latest breakthroughs propelling the market forward, including new technologies that enhance ingredient absorption and bioavailability, as well as innovative product formats like prolonged-release and specially chelated supplements. Start-ups, often at the forefront of these innovations, face unique investment challenges as they seek to scale in a competitive landscape. Highlights include the "Start-up Stars" awards, celebrating the chosen companies that are reshaping the industry and driving future growth.

  

• Clearing Up Confusion:

  In the fast-evolving world of active nutrition, effective marketing and clear communication are more important than ever, especially as consumers increasingly rely on social media for information. However, the rapid spread of misinformation online can lead to confusion about the benefits, ingredients, and regulations surrounding sports nutrition products. This section of the event will explore the challenges brands face in navigating social media while ensuring that their messaging is accurate, transparent, and compliant with regulations. It will also highlight the need for clear guidelines to help consumers make informed decisions, while addressing the fine balance between marketing innovation and regulatory compliance in a highly competitive industry.

  

Register your interest to be the first to receive all the updates.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR 2025