Greg Cherry, event manager for organiser CMP Information told NutraIngredients.com that all projections point to this year's HIE being the biggest yet. Audited visitor figures will be released after the event, but the 2004 edition drew 5816 unique visitors - up 35 per cent on 2002.

This year the organisers have concentrated on the visitor experience, with a 2-day conference programme. For the first time there will be a showcase area where exhibitors can give a 30-minute presentation on their innovations and market projects.

The HIE Innovation Awards will take place on Tuesday. Eight companies have been shortlisted, from a "number of entries that was larger than any other year", according to Cherry.

"The level of innovation is on the up," he said, adding that the judges were impressed by a strong level of science.

Over 400 exhibitors will be presenting their latest developments, concepts and product lines. The include:

• Algatechnologies with its AstaPure line of astaxanthin, now including a vegetarian version with gelatine-free beadlets;
• Finzelberg introducing its new brand of Nutrifin dietary supplements based on plant extracts. The line aims to meet a broad range of health needs, from weight management to healthy blood lipids, strengthening the cardiovascular system and digestion;
• Subsidiaries of Galam Group showcasing their health ingredients, including Fruitose low-GI sugar from Galam Ltd, NutraGal's mineral fortification ingredients NutraNate, Nutracal and Nutracak+Ng, and Enzymotec's CardiaBeat for cardiovascular health and cognitive ingredients SharpPS, OmegaPS and SharpPS Gold;
• Cognis unveiling its range of Omevital fish oil products, available in ethyl ester and triglyceride forms;
• Danisco presenting its Yo-Mix vegetal range of culture blends for soy yoghurts, certified kosher and produced in an entirely dairy- and meat-free environment. They can also be used in other dairy alternatives based in oat, almond and rice;
• Solbar showing its recently launched Solpro 931 isolated soy protein along with the rest of its range of proteins and isoflavones, and discussing research into soy saponins;
• EPI Ingredients' offering a line of fermented milk and yoghurt powders, calcium caseinate 220, and whey derived ingredient Lactepi 90;
• Fortitech Europe focusing on food development concepts aimed at addressing the concerns of the ageing population. Its premixes have been used in ice creams loaded with antioxidants, for bone health, and energy/immunity boosters, a functional chocolate topping, and a vitamin-loaded gumballs;
• Jungbunzlauer's Erythritol bulk sweetener, with a GI of zero and high digestive tolerance, has recently received EC approval. The company will also introduce Sub4salt, a mineral salts blend said to allow for a 50 per cent reduction in sodium without impacting taste;
• Plantextrakt has developed a beverage concept called eQ, including healthy plant extracts such as ginger, ginkgo, Echinacea and green tea;
• BioSerae's presence will be based around its NeOpuntia weight management ingredient, Salt03 for joint health, ID-alG from brown algae, FrutoLogic fruit extracts, and NutraVeggie vegetable extracts;
• LycoRed is to focus on its natural carotenoid range and Tomat-O-Red natural colouring, as well as fortification technologies that allow for reduced overages.

NutraIngredients.com will be reporting from the show floor.

Electronic registration at www.hi-events .com closes today. Visitors can also register on-site.