Vitafoods Asia 2026: Asia’s Health and Wellness Industry on the Rise

By Edwin Rollon

BANGKOK, Thailand — The numbers tell the story.

Over 16,000 visitors from around 80 countries and 800 exhibitors converged at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center for Vitafoods Asia 2026, transforming the three-day industry gathering into a major showcase of innovation, investment, and business opportunities.

The Expo brought together the entire health and wellness value chain—from raw materials and ingredients to packaging, finished products and established global brands—providing entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups with opportunities to explore new markets and expand their presence in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, functional food and cosmetics industries.

Informa Markets Regional Portfolio Director–ASEAN Rungphech “Rose” Chitanuwat said the region offers enormous growth potential, citing projections that Asia’s dietary supplements market could expand from US$41 billion to US$99 billion by 2036.

“Thai businesses need to stay ahead of rapidly evolving consumer expectations by closely tracking emerging trends and innovations. Vitafoods Asia 2026 provides a unique opportunity to bring global knowledge, technologies, ingredients and business connections together under one roof,” Chitanuwat said.

With consumers placing greater emphasis on health, nutrition, and wellness, Asia is emerging as a key growth engine for the global health and wellness industry. Vitafoods Asia is positioning itself as a vital platform connecting the companies, researchers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs driving that transformation.

Chitanuwat said the growing focus on longevity and healthy aging is also changing the role of dietary supplements, with consumers increasingly integrating health and nutrition into their daily lifestyles.

“Preventive healthcare is no longer a concern reserved for older generations. Younger consumers are also acting earlier, creating a demand for products that support long-term health and wellbeing,” she added.

Thailand eyes bigger role in global supply chain

Manu Leopairote, chairman of Informa Markets (Thailand), said Vitafoods Asia 2026 goes beyond product and technology exhibitions, providing Thailand and the wider region with a strategic platform to strengthen their position in the global dietary supplement supply chain.

“Hosting Vitafoods Asia in Thailand is like bringing the supply chain hub home. It allows Thai businesses to move from being buyers to becoming OEM/ODM manufacturers, connect directly with global suppliers and technology developers, and access innovations and upstream ingredients from around the world,” Leopairote said.

“It also creates a pathway for high-potential Thai extracts and herbs, including black ginger, turmeric and gotu kola, to reach international markets,” he added.

Leopairote said the event would also help Thai businesses better navigate international standards and regulations while identifying new market opportunities and strengthening connections across the regional health and wellness ecosystem.

He mentioned that Thailand’s rich biodiversity and abundance of natural herbs enable the country to become a major source of botanical ingredients for the global market.

Filipino MSMEs explore global opportunities

The Alliance of Local Artisans, Food and Other Producers (ALAFOP) Federation of the Philippines Inc. took part in representing the Philippines at the three-day event, bringing more than 50 members and officials, most of whom operate micro, small, and medium enterprises.

ALAFOP Director Rachelle Tagle said Vitafoods Asia provided Filipino entrepreneurs with an important opportunity to establish international connections and learn more about the rapidly growing health and wellness market.

“With business owners and industry leaders coming together, Vitafoods Asia gives Filipino MSMEs a great opportunity to connect with potential partners and buyers, explore new markets, and discover what’s next in nutraceuticals, functional foods, health ingredients, and wellness,” Tagle said.

She stated that the Philippines has abundant natural resources and raw materials. She further mentioned that participating in international events like Vitafoods Asia can launch Filipino businesses toward a stronger standing in the global supply chain.

“ALAFOP members and subsidiaries are now nationwide. We learned a thing or two from this convention, and hopefully we can work with both the government and other non-government groups for the development and progress of the industry. We have fertile soil and abundant natural herbs,” Tagle said.

Tagle said the Filipino delegation also took advantage of the opportunity to interact with counterparts and participants from around the world while gaining exposure to the latest developments in herbal products and wellness solutions.

ALAFOP members gained insights into consumer trends, extraction technologies, scientific research, regulatory developments, and marketing strategies presented by global experts and industry leaders.

Launchpad for Thailand’s global ambitions

The organizers designed Vitafoods Asia 2026 not simply as a marketplace but as a launchpad for business, innovation, and international collaboration.

By bringing together manufacturers, researchers, investors, technology developers, ingredient suppliers, and global brands, the event created opportunities for partnerships, investment, knowledge exchange, and market expansion.

“With more than 65 expert-led conference sessions, participants, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startup businesses gain so much. The global trend is toward a secure and sustainable future,” Chitanuwat said.

As the global health and nutrition industry enters a new era driven by preventive healthcare, healthy aging and longevity, Vitafoods Asia 2026 underscored the growing potential of Thailand and the broader Asian region as hubs for health food, nutraceutical and botanical extract innovation.