Secaucus, NJ—The 2025 SupplySide Connect event brought together over 2,600 members of the supplement, food, and beverage industry for two days of networking, product discovery, and education sessions. Supported by flagship sponsor KSM-66 Ashwagandha, the event showcased the latest in manufacturing technology, ingredient development, and supply chain opportunities. The WholeFoods Magazine team was in attendance taking notice of the latest trends and taking notes on expert insights shared during the ConnectEd Theater seminars. Here's a look at we observed at this year's trade show.
Showroom Floor
The event space was filled with companies showcasing their latest offerings. Guests were able to meet with brand representatives to discuss collaborations and other potential opportunities. Danica Cullins, Executive Vice President, Informa Markets Health & Nutrition, commented on the opportunities created through the shows existence: "SupplySide Connect New Jersey is a strategic checkpoint for the entire industry to dive into the latest trends, newest innovations and participate in meaningful conversations leading to deeper connections and long-term partnerships. As consumer priorities in the health and wellness sector are constantly shifting, the market is evolving faster than ever, and innovation is happening at a rapid pace. We are creating an experience for the industry to pause, connect and recalibrate the work tailored to market needs as we navigate and move forward." Some notable exhibitions included:
Magtein: Visitors were looking for the latest in cognitive health were able to stop by the ThreoTech's booth and explore Magtein, the company's popular Magnesium L-threonate bioavailable magnesium brain health ingredient.
Stratum Nutrition: The team was on hand to discuss science-backed branded ingredient solutions for top trending markets including beauty from within support from OVOLUX, prebiotic gut health support from Bimuno®GOS, memory and focus support from sageXtra, and cutting-edge joint health support from NEM.
Sabinsa: LivLonga, Sabroxy, CurCousin, Curcumin C3 Reduct, LactoSpore, Shagandha, PoZibio, BioPerine, and DigeZyme were all on display at this year's booth. Guests were able to stop by and discuss opportunities for including these and other ingredients into functional foods and beverage products.
Horphag Research USA, the exclusive North American supplier of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract and patented French oak wood extract vitality ingredient Robuvit, was spreading the word on ingredient science and benefits. Pycnogenol is science backed to support cardiovascular health, joint, skin care, sports, menopause and other women's health applications, cognitive function and so much more. Robuvit is a caffeine-free energizer rich in roburins and other flavonoids unique to oak wood, which metabolize in Urolithins A, B and C. Robuvit has been shown to support mitochondrial function, energy, sports performance, recovery and detoxification.
Layn Natural Ingredients was educating on its new ingredient Galacan, a next-generation beta glucan. Galacan’s helicoid structure provides a larger surface area, maximizing immune receptor interaction for enhanced effectiveness. It is produced through bacterial precision fermentation, and is easily recognized by immune cells. Its 85% β-1,3; 1,4; 1,6 glucan content and unique glycosidiclinkages enhance receptor binding, bioavailability, and systemic benefits, the company explains. Benefits include helping to nourish beneficial gut bacteria for digestive support, supporting immune system balance through interaction with key receptors, supporting healthy glucose levels and metabolic health for sustained energy, and supporting skin health.
Pacific Rainbow International was spreading the word on Chondroitin Sulfate, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Melatonin Glucosamine , MSM, Inositol, and more. The company stocks more than 100 items in its NJ and CA warehouses, including full line of B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Amino Acids, and food ingredients.
RFI: Servicing the dietary supplement, functional food and nutritional beverage industries, capabilities include ingredient processing, delivery systems, and packaging.
SD Head USA: The manufacturers of cellulose ethers and plant-based (HPMC) empty capsules debuted their next-generation brain health ingredient, Actiserine. Delivering over three times the absorption of conventional Phosphatidylserine (PS), the company shared their latest clinical findings and showcased how the product is setting a new benchmark in cognitive health.
Viva 5: Full-service, specialized custom development services provider. Capabilities include gummies, beadlets, powders, capsules, effervescents, fast melts, liquids, and sprays.
Waleria Healthtech Private Limited, exhibited its women's health ingredient aspurūs. A clinically-studied Shatavari ingredient, aspurūs offers a plant-based, non-hormonal option for consumers looking to manage menopausal symptoms. The patent-pending full-spectrum Shatavari root extract was designed to address the major symptoms of menopause and is standardized to <5% Shatavarins assuring the availability of both major and minor phytoactive compounds. Backed by a gold-standard study, the ingredient showed that in as little as four weeks, 60 healthy women participants were able to experience an 85% reduction in hot flashes, 90% decrease in night sweats, and reduced anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia.
- Beauty Boost Gummy — made with Lustriv to bring out inner beauty and support healthy hair and skin.
- Brain Bite Chews — powered by nooLVL to elevate daily performance with focus benefits.
- NitroBoost Wellness Beverage — tart mixed berry flavored drink featuring Nitrosigine, designed to boost the ‘miracle molecule’ nitric oxide.
WholeFoods Magazine: Our team met so many wonderful individuals all with amazing offerings. We look forward to reconnecting with everyone and developing a collaborative relationship. Visitors were also able to try their luck out with our "Spin the Wheel" for some truly unique event specific prizes.
Class is in Session
2025 marked the debut of the ConnectEd Theatre, a designated education session location for guests to stop by and listen in on presentations from industry leading experts. Most of the sessions were ConnectEd Briefs, 15 minute max sessions that touched on all the main points of the conversation with room for a few quick follow up questions from moderator Cassie Smith, Senior Editorial Content Director, SupplySide. This year's line-up included:
Your guide to the evolving supplement regulatory landscape - kickoff session discussing the most pressing regulatory developments having an effect on the supplement industry.
The next frontier of food: Precision fermentation innovations - Lucas Eastham, The Good Food Institute, discussed the potential of precision fermentation to change the way food ingredients are produced.
Leading the pack: Cutting-edge ingredients in pet supplements - Eric Anderson, NXT-USA, shared insight into the growing pet supplement space. "Pet parents spend more on pet supps than their own supps."
The next generation of health products: Foundational ingredients for kids and teens - Charlotte Traas, Florida Supplement, examined the delicate approach to creating supplements or snacks for kids and teens. "A tip to getting your kids to take something is to explain why they should be taking it."
The future of weight management: Ingredients that work smarter, not harder - Jennifer Cooper, Enova Science, explained the effects of GLP-1 on the weight management space, "it's no longer a weight loss category its a weight support category."
Glow up: Essential ingredients for the nutricosmetics revolution - Karin Hermoni, Suannutra AND Imagine Health, spotlighted the key components sparking innovation within beauty supplements, food and beverages for healthy skin, hair and nails support. "Nurticosmetic research space is driven by women and understanding their needs at different ages and skin types."
Navigating the hormonal roller coaster: Ingredients for every stage of menopause - Jennifer Greer, Thorne, discussed the ingredients helping individuals tackle premenopause, perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. "For a long time menopause has been a taboo topic."
Networking Opportunities
In addition to discussing the latest developments at the ConnectEd theatre, guests had several opportunities to network with colleagues during the show. SSC events included:
#WINtogether gender equity networking - Registered guests and WIN members met to discuss new growth and leadership opportunities and the future of a more inclusive and diverse nutraceutical landscape.
What's Up With Supps presents: Supps & Sails - A Night on the Hudson - Sponsored by Sabinsa, SupplySide Connect guests were able to party the night away on a boat ride along the Hudson River offering good vibes and breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.
Stay tuned for insights on regulatory issues from SupplySide Connect.
