Nutraceutical industry sees strong growth as health awareness rises

Mumbai hosted the third edition of Vitafoods India, a premier event dedicated to the nutraceuticals industry, which took place at the Jio World Convention Center in the Bandra Kurla Complex. Organized by Informa Markets, the event has rapidly gained traction as a key platform for industry leaders, businesses, and policymakers to connect and collaborate.

Ketki Karkhanis, senior project director at Informa Markets, highlighted the event’s evolution and the factors driving its growth.

A growing industry with strong potential

Vitafoods is a globally recognized brand with over 30 years of presence in the industry. Noting the potential in the Indian market, Informa Markets began researching the sector even before the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic served as a catalyst, increasing awareness about immunity-boosting supplements, ayurvedic ingredients such as ashwagandha, and overall wellness.

“With India’s deep-rooted heritage in Ayurveda and a growing international interest in its benefits, we saw an opportunity to introduce a dedicated platform for nutrition and nutraceuticals in India,” said Karkhanis. “Unlike the many pharmaceutical events and smaller conferences on the topic, Vitafoods India offers a consolidated space for the industry to engage, network, and explore opportunities.”

A surge in industry interest

Since its inception in 2023, Vitafoods India has witnessed increasing engagement from both industry stakeholders and government bodies. With the government actively promoting the Make in India initiative and recognizing nutraceuticals as a vital sector, the event has gained substantial institutional support.

“We have strong partnerships with key associations such as HADSA, FSSAI and many more, which are expanding their focus from food to dietary supplements,” Karkhanis noted. “This growing interest signals a positive trajectory for the industry.”

Key drivers of industry growth

Karkhanis identified key factors propelling the nutraceuticals industry forward. Previously, consumers primarily relied on medication for treatment, but there has been a notable shift towards preventive and curative health. With increasing awareness about fitness and dietary habits, people are incorporating vitamins, gummies, and other health supplements into their daily routines.

“The focus on curative health has become more pronounced,” she explained. “People are more conscious of their well-being, which is significantly driving the demand for nutraceutical products. Additionally, India’s vast population serves as a major growth driver for the sector.”

Expanding global presence and visitor expectations

The 2025 edition of Vitafoods India has seen remarkable growth in exhibitor participation.

“Last year, we had around 102 exhibitors, and this year we have expanded to 160, which is a significant leap,” Karkhanis revealed. “While 90% of our exhibitors are domestic, we are actively working on strengthening our international presence. This year, we have registrations from over 70 countries,” he said.

More than 8,000 visitors visited the event over three days, surpassing previous attendance records.

“We expect next year’s edition, which will also take place in Mumbai, to be even bigger than this year,” she concluded.