The three-day, free-to-attend event at London's ExCeL brings together hundreds of influential speakers from across the food and drink sector to discuss the biggest challenges, key trends and innovations in the health and wellbeing market.
Thought leadership on everything from progress on cutting sugar and calories, the best ways to bring about dietary change to the future of food technology and how food design affects what we eat, will be heard on the main conference stage from 50 influential conference speakers, including industry leaders, food innovators and nutrition experts.
Confirmed speakers include neuroscientist Nick Lesica, Starbucks R&D vice president Sara Bruce-Goodwin, Bosh founder Henry Firth, WHO technical officer Jo Jewell, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge and Public Health England chief executive Duncan Selbie.
Meanwhile practical insight, case studies and advice from 80 cross-sector experts will be on hand in a series of seminars grouped around key health and wellbeing themes, from tackling obesity to the future of the free-from market.
Of particular interest to the nutraceutical community will be the wide-ranging seminars on nutrition for health and wellbeing, focused on the latest ingredients and research.
From what the latest nutraceutical innovations, food trends and research mean for bones and joints, heart, immune and digestive health to the role of probiotics in sports nutrition, the impact of data privacy on personalised nutrition and emerging trends for boosting cognitive health, these sessions will offer insight into the latest research and development.
Away from the debates, on the exhibition floor, visitors can get expert advice about the latest innovations in dietary supplements, functional foods and sports nutrition in the Nutraceutical Showcase.
With participants including Lamberts Healthcare, DCC and BetterYou, it is also supported by the Council for Responsible Nutrition UK, with experts advising on the safety and quality of food supplements and regulations around them.
And an exciting new attraction for 2018, the Innovative Ingredients Live theatre, will examine the science behind some of the most exciting new functional ingredients set to change the nutrition sector.
Ingredient companies demonstrating their solutions for the nutra industry will include manufacturers such as DSM, Lonza, Astareal and Friesland Campina as well as distributors including i-ingredients, Protec Nutra, Brenntag, and Univar
Among those taking part, DSM business manager Marieke Overeijnder will discuss the natural flavours and yeast extracts being used to provide great taste and texture in meat substitutes while Tiger Nut Company co-founder Ani de la Prida will discuss the benefits of and exciting new products made from this tiny root vegetable.
Other ingredients discussed will include plant protein powder Lentein Complete, functional ingredients from the small insect species Alphitobius Diaperinus and bioactive collagen peptide Tendoforte, targeted at tendon and ligament health.
The UK's largest gathering of ingredients companies will also be hosted on a dedicated platform offering visitors the chance to sample their goods. Ingredient companies demonstrating their solutions for the nutra industry will include manufacturers such as DSM, Lonza, Astareal and Friesland Campina as well as distributors including i-ingredients, Protec Nutra, Brenntag, and Univar.
They are just part of a comprehensive curated exhibition, involving 800 businesses from major food and drink manufacturers to innovative start-ups, arranged in zones according to key growth areas from healthy snacking to sports nutrition and free-from food and drink.
ESSNA and the Health Food Manufacturers Association return as key supporters for 2018.
And an enhanced match-making service will enable exhibitors and visitors to identify potential business partners among innovative product and ingredient suppliers.
Briony Mansell-Lewis, Food Matters Live Director, said: "Food Matters Live is fast becoming an annual education and business opportunity for many in the industry.
"We’re delighted once again to welcome so many experts to share best practice, forge collaborative relationships, find solutions to challenges and explore new ways of working with colleagues across the food, nutrition and health sectors."
Food Matters Live is free to attend, including entry to the conference, seminars and all visitor attractions. Register at www.foodmatterslive.com
