The association - which represents the European specialised nutrition industry, and includes representation of 18 national associations of specialised nutrition manufacturers - said that the new name will more appropriately reflect its activities and focus.
SNE members provide specialised dietary solutions for people with specific nutritional needs, including infants and young children, people under medical supervision, athletes and sportspeople, overweight and obese consumers, and those suffering from specific diseases or conditions that impact their dietary choices – such as coeliac disease.
The group added that the name change will also coincide with increased focus on the new legislative landscape that the specialised nutrition industry will be facing following a fundamental review of the EU rules governing such products.
The revised ‘Regulation on Foods for Specific Groups’ will become applicable in mid-2016, said SNE, adding that this will mean that the next three years will be ‘critical’ for EU activities which aim to finalise the revision and find appropriate legislative provisions for outstanding issues remaining from the review process.
“This is an exciting and challenging time for our association, and we look forward to greater engagement with our wide network of partners, decision makers, and other interested parties in the coming months and years to keep them up to date and informed about our industry, our membership, and our objectives,” said Roger Clarke, the recently appointed president of SNE.
SNE said it aims to increase recognition for the importance of the specialised nutrition sector and specialised nutritional products – which has an annual turnover of nearly €24bn, and which 90% of Europeans will need at some stage in their lives.