BANGKOK: The Asia Pacific nutraceutical market is projected to reach USD 4.26 trillion in revenue by 2025, with continued growth expected in the years to come.
It was highlighted at the wrap-up session of the recent Fi Asia Thailand exhibition and Vitafoods Asia event in Bangkok by Rose Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director ASEAN at Informa Markets.
The industry is actively preparing for the future by strengthening its health and nutrition sector to meet evolving needs, with a key focus on supporting the aging population, as Thailand is now facing the challenges of an aging society.
Thailand’s Aging Society Development initiative supports innovation and safety in food and supplement production, aiming to improve quality of life for older citizens.
She said China and Japan lead the region in the nutraceutical sector, accounting for the largest share of demand for health-focused products.
China is the biggest player in the nutraceutical industry. It leads the way in setting trends and had the most booths at the recent exhibition held at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre.
Rose also said Thailand stands out, among other Asian countries for its vibrant food scene, shopping, and hospitality services, along with its strategic role in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) sector. As a result, it remains a preferred destination for hosting international exhibitions.
She announced the next Fi (Food Ingredients) exhibitions would be held in Vietnam and Indonesia, while the popular Vitafoods event would continue to take place in Bangkok.
The shift came as the recent exhibition had grown significantly, attracting more global participation and requiring expanded venues to accommodate its increasing scale.
Experts emphasized that nutraceuticals differ from regular food due to varying regulations in each country. One key area of growth is Halal certification, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia, where Halal standards are increasingly applied to the nutraceutical sector to meet religious and safety requirements.
“Aging is not just about growing old, it’s about living longer with good health and quality of life.
That’s why it’s important to develop alternative food options through nutraceuticals, especially to support the needs of an aging population,” said Rose.
Dr. Visit Limlurcha, Vice President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and President of the newly formed Thai Future Food Trade Association, shared insights into the future food industry.
He explained that the current focus was on high-value and functional foods, divided into four categories: medical food, personalized food, organic food, and alternative protein.
Alternative protein sources include insects, fungi-based ingredients, cultivated meat, and more. Thailand’s future food exports currently stand at 1.8 billion baht, with 10% coming from this emerging sector, supported by new government policies.
Meanwhile, Nakah Thawichawatt, Chairman of the Food Supplement Industry Group under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), shared that Thailand’s nutraceutical industry is currently valued at 100 billion baht.
The growth was fueled by the use of active ingredients and cutting-edge production technologies.
He added that with rising consumer awareness and stronger regional collaboration, Asia Pacific is well-positioned to remain a global leader in health, wellness, and the development of future food innovations.
Nanotechnology is becoming one of key drivers in food and nutraceutical industries, helping improve product quality, nutrient delivery, and shelf life at lower costs.
In the nutraceutical sector, nano-encapsulation enhances the stability and absorption of active ingredients such as vitamins and probiotics.
The industry also highlights its important role in promoting alternative proteins and personalized nutrition, particularly as part of Thailand’s future food strategy,” he said.