Weight management is one of the most exciting categories in the functional foods and supplements industry at present, as the food industry develops ingredients and technologies to help overweight consumers slim down.
However it is also one of the most susceptible to over-inflated claims and nefarious marketing practices, as there is undoubtedly a quick buck to be made from promising a slenderising effect without the hard slog of diet and exercise.
The International Society of Antioxidants in Nutrition and Health (ISANH) has signalled that it is supporting the respectable face of the industry that is prepared to put money into scientific research.
Differentiation such as this could well be key to building credibility in the sector.
ISANH's scientific committee will also bestow an award on the slimming project it deems to be the most innovative.
Current market data for the entire European weight management market is not available, but according to a recent report from Mintel called "Slimming Foods" , the overall UK market for food products aimed at dieters has shrunk from a value of £100m in 2001 to just over £81m in 2006.
But appetite suppressants represent a growth area, valued by Mintel at £7.3m in 2001, and at £9m in 2006.
The conference segment of the event will cover scientific issues such as molecular and cellular targets, new generation weight management ingredients like nutrigenonics and personalised nutrition, and thermagenic and aroma-based approaches.
It will also tackle industrial and economic aspects, from the point of view of finished product format and global markets.
Slimming Ingredients Germany 2007 will take place in Berlin, March 29 to 30.