Once again, Virgo’s SupplySide West expo and conference experienced growth, breaking all previous records set. The number of attendees present at the 2013 show increased 11 percent from 2012, according to show officials. Nearly 12,000 leaders and decisions-makers representing the global dietary supplement, food, beverage, animal nutrition, personal care, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and sports nutrition industries attended the show. Additionally, the show floor boasted more than 1,700 booths offering more than 10,000 ingredients, technologies and services.
Among the hot ingredient trends seen on the show floor were an emphasis on natural colors and flavors; probiotics with generally recognized as safe (GRAS) affirmation and for use in a wider range of product applications; omega-3s from both vegetarian and marine sources, particularly in higher concentrations; and botanical ingredients supported by more testing and greater transparency in the supply chain. Other key topics included strategic approaches to a global supply chain and sustainability as well as investments in information technology, infrastructure and research and development (R&D).