Programme

Wednesday 27 May 2026

Time Session

08:30–09:00

Registration open

09:00–09:15

Framing the discussion ahead

09:15–09:40

From Copenhagen 2023 to Athens 2026

This session will look back at the Alliance’s journey over the past three years, highlighting key milestones, initiatives and shifts that have helped shape the global conversation on food supplements. It will provide an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved and help guide the direction ahead.

09:40–10:10

Coffee, Tea & Conversation

10:10–11:00

Lost in translation

In several parts of the world, the supplement category is entering a period of uncertainty. Definitions are being questioned, regulatory ownership is contested, and some countries are rethinking where the sector should sit within their systems.

This session explores how different markets are navigating this moment of transition.

  • India: Nirupama Sharma, HADSA
  • South Africa: Maria Ascencao, HPA

Followed by debate

11:00–12:00

Codex: The guardian of global alignment

Codex remains an important global reference point for food standards as new priorities and proposals continue to emerge. This session will explore recent developments and discuss opportunities for constructive engagement in shaping the direction for the sector.

12:00–13:00

Lunch & Ideas

13:00–14:30

When events cause a rethink

This session will examine the factors that lead authorities to adjust regulatory approaches to food supplements. Drawing on a series of international case studies, speakers will consider how new scientific data, regulatory concerns, political developments and public health incidents influence policy decisions. The discussion will compare how different jurisdictions respond when existing frameworks are challenged, how industry engages in these processes, and potential implications for future market developments.

  • Japan: The Red Yeast Rice turning point
    Hideko Ikeda, JIHFS
  • UK: Post-Brexit direction, 10 years on
    Sam Jennings, CRN UK
  • EU: Harmonisation and regulatory change – A country perspective
    Martina Šímová, ČASP (Czech Republic)

Followed by debate

14:30–16:00

The art of moving forward in difficult negotiations

When negotiations stall and positions harden, progress often depends on changing the conversation. Simon Horton, a leader in crisis negotiation, will draw on his experience to explore how deadlock can be broken and complex discussions steered towards practical outcomes.

16:00–16:15

Coffee, Tea & Conversation

16:15 –17:30

Annual General Assembly

19:30

Dinner

Pandrosou Garden Restaurant, 5, Pandrossou str, Athens 10556

Thursday 28 May 2026

Time Session

09:00–09:05

Welcome

09:05–09:30

The Strategic Framework Towards 2030

09:30–10:15

AI and Influencers: New drivers of consumer decisions in supplements

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape how consumers search for information and make purchasing decisions across the health and wellness landscape. This session will introduce a curated meta-report examining the growing role of AI in consumers’ journeys for supplements, highlighting emerging trends, evolving consumer attitudes and the potential implications for the sector. The discussion will also provide an opportunity for the Alliance to begin reflecting on next steps and to consider how the sector may wish to position itself in response to these developments.

  • Chiara Vinciguerra, IPSOS

10:15–10:35

Coffee, Tea & Conversation

10:35–11:30

Horizon scanning: Trends and supply chain challenges

Supply chain challenges are becoming more complex and less predictable. They are increasingly shaped by regulatory developments, sustainability debates and shifting trade policies. This session explores how these dynamics are affecting two strategically important categories, botanicals and omega-3, and what this means for the sector.

  • Botanicals: Jane Wilson, AHPA
  • Omega-3: Harry Rice, GOED

Followed by debate

11:30–12:00

Scaling health: China’s supplement ambition

China plays an important role in the global supplement sector. This session will look at how policy priorities, market developments and regulatory objectives are shaping the country’s approach to supplements, and what this may mean for future opportunities and challenges.

  • Zhang Zhongpeng, CNHFA

12:00–12:45

Lunch & Ideas

12:45–14:00

The changing map of supplement regulation

Regulatory developments for food supplements are increasingly diverging across regions, raising important questions about the future direction of rules. This session will explore experiences from ASEAN and Latin America, followed by a discussion on where alignment is realistic, where national differences may remain necessary, and which elements merit a common global approach.

  • Latam region: Elizabeth Diaz, ALANUR
  • Brazil: Gislene Cardozo, ABIAD
  • Mexico: Coral Moctezuma, ANAISA
  • Colombia: Alejandro Botero Valencia, ANDI
  • Thailand/ASEAN: Janjira Intra, HFSA

Followed by debate

14:00–15:15

Where industry alignment matters most?

Building on the signals emerging throughout the programme, this session provides an opportunity to step back and reflect on the themes shaping the Athens discussions. The conversation will focus on where common priorities are becoming clearer and where stronger alignment will be needed as the sector moves forward.

15:15 –15:30

Closing remarks

Venue

Athens Marriott Hotel, 385, Syngrou Ave. 17564 Athens, Greece

Accommodation

You can choose to stay at the Marriott, where the meeting will be held, or explore one of the many options available in the city centre. May is a particularly busy time in Athens, so we strongly recommend booking early to secure your preferred accommodation and the best available rates.

To book your stay at the Marriott Hotel, please visit:
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atham-athens-marriott-hotel/overview/
 

and follow the steps below:

  1. Select your arrival and departure dates
  2. Indicate the number of rooms and guests per room
  3. In the ‘Special Rates’ section, choose Corporate/Promo/Set and enter the code provided in our communication to receive a discount
  4. Click “View Special Rates” to continue with your booking