Calling all nutraceutical innovators: Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards return in 2026

Barcelona, 29 January 2026 – Following a successful first edition in 2025, Informa Markets has announced the return of the Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards to celebrate the nutraceutical industry’s most exciting and groundbreaking advancements. Serving as a key platform for recognising nutraceutical excellence, the awards will take place during Vitafoods Europe 2026 on 5 May, once again spotlighting the outstanding ingredients, finished products, and sustainable initiatives transforming the global nutraceutical landscape. 

Applications are now open until 27 February, after which a panel of industry-leading judges will review submissions and select a shortlist of finalists in March. Finalists will then be invited to pitch their innovations live in Barcelona the day before Vitafoods Europe opens its doors, with winners revealed at an exclusive awards ceremony during the event.

A platform for innovation and industry leadership
“The outstanding standard of last years’ award entries were a true testament to the creativity and innovative thinking shaping nutraceuticals,” says Gareth Baguley, Brand Director at Informa Markets. “Not only did the 2025 awards highlight breakthrough solutions and meaningful initiatives, they also showcased the collaborative spirit that’s central to the community.As the nutraceutical industry continues to grow and pioneer new ideas, we’re proud to be bringing the awards back and building on the success of the inaugural edition. We’d like to welcome all those eligible to enter, and we’re already looking forward to celebrating the innovations moving nutraceuticals forward together!” 

From vision to victory
Entries are open to all Vitafoods Europe 2026 exhibitors, with entrants encouraged to spotlight innovations launched within the past two years. The awards will cover a wide range of categories, from finished products to specific health areas such as sports nutrition, immune and gut health, as well as healthy ageing. Plus, for 2026, two brand new categories will reflect major market shifts, including weight management – driven by the rise of GLP-1s – and nutricosmetic ingredients, highlighting innovations shaping these fast-growing sectors. In addition, the Diversity & Inclusion award is open to all companies, including non-exhibitors, which are leading the way in creating inclusive workplaces within the industry. The full list of 2026 award categories include:

• Sports Nutrition and Active Lifestyle Ingredient
• Immune and Gut Health Ingredient
• Cognitive and Emotional Health Ingredient
• Healthy Ageing Ingredient
• Weight Management Ingredient
• Nutricosmetic Ingredient
• Most Innovative Consumer-ready Nutraceutical Finished Product
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Sustainability

Entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of industry experts – once again chaired by Prof. Colin Dennis, Chair of the Board of Trustees at IFIS Publishing – alongside leading specialists in scientific research, regulation, market insights and product development.

Winners of the Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards will be presented with trophies during the awards ceremony, plus will benefit from enhanced visibility online and on-site at the 2026 event. They will also receive a webinar sponsorship package, courtesy of one of the award sponsors, Smartcore.

To learn more and submit your entry for the 2026 Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards, visit: https://www.vitafoods.eu.com/en/whats-on/awards/this-year.html.