News

Celebrating the winners of the Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards 2026

Find out which innovative companies were awarded for their efforts in redefining the nutraceutical industry at the Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards 2026.

A panel of judges made up of industry experts gathered to choose one winner for each of the eight categories. In true Spanish style, the winners were announced during a cava reception and ceremony on Tuesday evening at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via during Vitafoods Europe.

The category winners of the Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards 2026 are:

Sports Nutrition and Active Lifestyle Ingredient

Natural Remedies for Ashwa.30, a next-generation ashwagandha extract based on 100% roots that is designed to enhance energy, help boost endurance, and support stress relief delivering benefits at a low daily dose of 30mg.

Immune and Gut Health Ingredient

Martin Bauer Nutraceuticals for 360GUT, a polyphenol-rich extract based on wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) that supports gut health from within. Unlike bulky fibre prebiotics, 360GUT works at a small daily dose, helping to relieve bloating, irregularity, and digestive discomfort while gently nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.

Cognitive and Emotional Health Ingredient

Threotech for Magtein, a bioavailable magnesium oral supplement that raises neuronal magnesium and improves cognition, sleep, and emotional resilience.

Healthy Ageing Ingredient

Puredia for Omegia Omega-7 FFA, a clinically studied, vegan omega-7 from sea buckthorn, designed specifically for women navigating menopause. It supports over 13 menopausal symptoms including vaginal dryness, itching, and burning, dry eyes, dry mouth, skin dehydration, hair thinning, and brittle nails.

Weight Management Ingredient

Monteloeder by Suannutra for its ingredient, Metabolaid. This botanical ingredient is derived from hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts, and is designed to support healthy weight management through multiple metabolic pathways: it supports natural GLP-1 levels, activates AMPK, promotes fat metabolism, and enhances satiety.

Nutricosmetic Ingredient

Mibelle AG Biochemistry for DracoBelle Nu, a vegan collagen-booster derived from Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica) that boosts collagen production in skin tissues by activating the AMPK/FOXO longevity pathway. This reinforces the structural stability of the skin, resulting in a more plump and youthful appearance, the company says.

Most Innovative Consumer-Ready Nutraceutical Finished Product

Kaneka Ubiquinol Europe in collaboration with Eqology Pure Arctic Oil Heart & Energy. A synergistic formulation combining CodMarine ingredient with organic cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, vitamin D3, and yeast-fermented Kaneka Ubiquinol in one innovation, delivering 1,420mg EPA+DHA per serving.

Sustainability

Nordic Bioproducts for its carbon-smart microcrystalline cellulose. The ingredient is manufactured using a sustainable production process called AaltoCell at the company’s facility in Lappeenranta, Finland, which results in a carbon footprint up to 81% lower than conventional microcrystalline cellulose production methods. It also requires 95% less water, 90% less energy, and 69% fewer chemicals.

High-value prizes up for grabs

The Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards reward the winners for their innovative products, ingredients, and initiatives with a range of high-value prizes. In addition to the trophy presented on stage during the award ceremony, winners benefit from visibility as the award results are announced on a number of channels including the Vitafoods website, the official press release, and social media channels.

Winners can also spotlight their achievement by displaying a “Finalist” or “Winner” sticker at their stand during the trade show, attracting more visitors, and enjoy access to a bespoke brand awareness webinar sponsorship package – valued at €5,000 – courtesy of the Awards’ sponsor, Smartcore.

The Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards panel of judges is made up of industry experts, chosen for their knowledge, credentials, and objectivity.

These are Prof. Colin Dennis, chair at International Food Information Service; Barbara Bray, food safety and nutrition consultant at Alo Solutions; Efi Leontopoulou, manager scientific and regulatory affairs, EAS Strategies; Ian D. Healey, editorial director at Dr. Harnisch Publications; João Brites, director of growth & innovation at HowGood; Luca Bucchini, managing director of Hylobates; Nick Henson, food product developer; Sandra Einerhand, nutrition science consultant at Einerhand Science & Innovation; Sharon Morey, regulatory affairs manager at Campden BRI; Dr. V. Krishnakumar, president of Giract; and Timothy Whiteley, independent advisor.

By Gerda Glezer