Innovation Expo
Creating space for innovation
21 November 2024
Auckland, New Zealand
Thursday 21 November 2024
Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre
Due Drop Events Centre | Manukau, Auckland
Natural Health Products NZ’s Innovation Expo provides an outstanding opportunity for our sector to showcase new products, ingredients or processing capability.
Our annual day of innovation is a day of ‘show and tell’ where suppliers, manufacturers, brand owners come together to network and gain new knowledge.
Make sure you join us at Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre at the Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau, Auckland. The Events Centre is a short drive from Auckland Airport.
Presenters
Joe Davis
Master of CeremoniesProudly Supported by Keraplast
Joe Davis
Joe Davis is a leader, innovator, and author with a deep passion for bringing teams together to tackle big challenges with real purpose. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Nanogirl Labs, working alongside his wife and business partner, Dr. Michelle Dickinson. Joe’s current mission is to democratise access to world-class education by leveraging technology, education, and entertainment to inspire, educate, and empower learners.
Scott Haycock
Commercial Director
Scott Haycock
Scott Haycock is the Commercial Director at Keraplast Ltd, bringing extensive experience across global markets. He holds a BSc in Human Nutrition and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics from the University of Otago, alongside an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of British Columbia. His career spans commercial roles at Roche, Novo Nordisk, Stemcell Technologies and Whitewater West. He has led business units in New Zealand, Australia, Greater China, Canada, and the United States. A former professional rugby player, he also spent several years playing in Italy.
Phillipa Thompson
Product Champion
BerriQi & Feiolix
BerriQi & Feiolix
Phillipa Thompson
Phillipa Thompson is the product champion at Anagenix for Feiolix and BerriQi. Holding both a PgDipsci in Wine Science as well as Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Auckland, Phillipa’s love of wine transferred into an interest in plant-based therapeutics. Her research has been focused on NZ-based plant biomedical science. Initially in NPD for two years, she specializes in development and formulation for dietary supplements and today is delighted to be furthering the science and clinical understanding of NZ fruit as nutraceuticals.
Stephanie Berglin
Nutritionist, Herbalist & Educator
Stephanie Berglin
Stephanie Berglin is a practicing nutritionist and herbalist in Sydney, specialising in areas such as cognitive health and healthy ageing.
She has been working in the natural therapies industry since 2000 as a nutritionist, writer and educator, with a number of the leading retail and practitioner-only brands of complementary supplements.
She consults to The 6AM Agency working with Kaneka Ubiquinol™ as part of their dedication to educating brandholders, healthcare practitioners and consumers on the benefits of Ubiquinol.
She has been working in the natural therapies industry since 2000 as a nutritionist, writer and educator, with a number of the leading retail and practitioner-only brands of complementary supplements.
She consults to The 6AM Agency working with Kaneka Ubiquinol™ as part of their dedication to educating brandholders, healthcare practitioners and consumers on the benefits of Ubiquinol.
Caren Biddulph
Technical & Regulatory Affairs Manager
Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia
Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia
Caren Biddulph
Dr Caren Biddulph (she/her) is an Accredited Dietitian who has worked in various clinical settings, private practice, in academia and for over 14 years in industry. She is currently the Technical and Regulatory Affairs Manager, in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia for Sacco System’s microbiome unit. Caren’s PhD was centred around the interaction between nutritional status and the microbiome. Caren has been a speaker at various International conferences and has recently been appointed to the Complementary Medicines Australia Probiotics taskforce.
Russell Douglas
Keynote Speaker - Proudly Supported by
Lonza, Capsules & Health Ingredients
Lonza, Capsules & Health Ingredients
Russell Douglas
Russell is a customer experience strategist and creative consultant. He works across the world and has led projects for many
top international brands including British Airways, O2, Channel 4, Dorling Kindersley and Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotels.
A multi-award-winning creative thinker, Russell has a unique blend of commercial, creative, digital and marketing skills. This has
helped him establish a considerable reputation as a hands-on consultant to some of the world's leading digital and branding
agencies.
Ian Chant
Semi-RetiredGeneral Manager
Ian Chant
Ian has been in the Natural Health Product Industry for more than 25 years, holding senior management positions in manufacturing, sales, marketing and now ingredients. He has participated in Australia’s peak industry body, Complementary Medicines Australia as a Board member for nine years and President for two years. In 2023 he received the CMA’s most prestigious Lady Cilento Award for his significant contribution to the Australian industry.
Aside from his interest in cycling and tramping in New Zealand, he has strong interests in growing a healthy industry through research, education and exports. He is passionate about developing a sustainable Industry by encouraging manufacturers and brand owners as well as participating in the activities of the CMA and NHPNZ.
Ian holds degrees and post graduate degrees Science, Business and Brewing.
Aside from his interest in cycling and tramping in New Zealand, he has strong interests in growing a healthy industry through research, education and exports. He is passionate about developing a sustainable Industry by encouraging manufacturers and brand owners as well as participating in the activities of the CMA and NHPNZ.
Ian holds degrees and post graduate degrees Science, Business and Brewing.
Alexander Tups
School of Biomedical Sciences University of Otago
Alexander Tups
Associate Professor Alexander Tups is an internationally recognised expert on the brain-mediated control of body weight and blood sugar regulation. His research focusses on nutrient sensing in the brain, i.e. the impact of certain nutrients on brain function and the regulation of metabolism with the aim to find state-of-the-art therapies for cognitive and metabolic health.
Deepti Mishra
Key Account Manager
Deepti Mishra
Deepti is an experienced clinical nutritionist specializing in bariatric and general surgery. Now in a commercial role at Kerry, she's on a mission to help food and nutraceutical brands create products that are backed by extensive research and are sustainable and delicious.
Cathy Smith
Technical & Sales Director
Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia
Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia
Cathy Smith
Ms Cathy Smith (she/her) has over 20 years’ experience in the International Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical and Food Industries. In her recent role as Asia Pacific Technical and Regulatory Director for Sacco System, Ms Smith was responsible for guiding clients through the intricacies of probiotic and postbiotic formulation development as well as liaising with Asia Pacific government agencies regarding regulations around Probiotics and Postbiotics. Ms Smith is now the Technical and Sales Director for Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia for Sacco System’s Microbiome Business Unit and is also a Co-chair on the IPA Postbiotics Committee. She has recently been appointed to the Complementary Medicines Australia Regulatory committee.
Muy Leng
International Principal Manager
Network Nutrition / IMCD NZ
Network Nutrition / IMCD NZ
Muy Leng
Muy Leng has more than 2 decades of experience working within the complementary medicines industry. With a Bachelor of Naturopathy from Southern Cross University, she has worked in retail, with practitioner and retail brands, and in raw material manufacturing and supply. During her career, she has developed expertise across various facets of the industry, including Technical, Education, Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, Research and Development.
Dr Aahana Shrestha
Clinical Studies &
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Dr Aahana Shrestha
Aahana holds a PhD in Health Science from the University of Auckland and a Masters in Applied Biotechnology from Uppsala University, Sweden. She has 8 years of research experience in nutritional studies for improving human health and well-being; and over four years’ experience in clinical trial management.
At Anagenix, Aahana manages ongoing clinical studies, designs new clinical studies, prepares health claims dossiers, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and offers recommendations for potential market opportunities based on regulatory insights.
Marco Atanassi
APAC & ChinaSales Director
Marco Atanassi
Marco Atanassi has a master’s in chemistry with over 25 years of experience in developing APAC markets. In the last 15 years at Gnosis, he has undertaken a path of education and training of APAC markets, bringing new concepts, such as Active folate and vitamin K2, starting from the scientific introduction to their commercial development with local partners. He is currently the Regional Sales Director for Gnosis by Lesaffre based in their regional headquarters in Singapore responsible for the APAC and China region including Australia & New Zealand.
Novita Puspasari
Scientific Affairs Manager
ANZ / Translational Science & Research
ANZ / Translational Science & Research
Novita Puspasari
Novita is a passionate advocate for evidence-based innovation in healthcare and nutrition. She has over 10 years of experience in the personalised health space, with a specific focus on the influence of genetics on nutrition and response to medications.
Driven by her passion for innovation, technology and complementary medicine, Novita joined the H&H Group. In her current role within the Translational Science team, she leads a team of talented scientists in developing innovative and differentiated solutions that align with evolving consumer needs. Novita's approach prioritises a consumer-centric perspective, ensuring that innovative solutions meet the diverse needs of consumers.
Driven by her passion for innovation, technology and complementary medicine, Novita joined the H&H Group. In her current role within the Translational Science team, she leads a team of talented scientists in developing innovative and differentiated solutions that align with evolving consumer needs. Novita's approach prioritises a consumer-centric perspective, ensuring that innovative solutions meet the diverse needs of consumers.
Dr Ali Reza Nazmi
Director of Studies
Chemical Formulation Design
Chemical Formulation Design
Dr Ali Reza Nazmi
I have a passion for teaching and am inspired by the creativity and flexibility of product design students. I coordinate and teach multiple Formulation Science courses across the undergraduate and masters level.
My background is in protein biochemistry and I have worked across different universities and research institutes on projects concerning different aspects of protein science.
My ongoing research interest is multidisciplinary and revolves around biopolymers, enzymes and microbes involved in biopolymer synthesis, usage of these biopolymers in composite materials, material perception and formulation design.
My background is in protein biochemistry and I have worked across different universities and research institutes on projects concerning different aspects of protein science.
My ongoing research interest is multidisciplinary and revolves around biopolymers, enzymes and microbes involved in biopolymer synthesis, usage of these biopolymers in composite materials, material perception and formulation design.
Meet the Exhibitors
Presentation Topics
Ebel.One™ – Patented, Fast-Acting, Debittered Bacopa Extract
Muy Leng
International Principal ManagerInternational Principal Manager
Network Nutrition / IMCD NZ
The Power Trio: Collagen, KeraGEN-IV, and Vitamins in Beauty Supplements
New Product Opportunities for Brain and Eye Health with LYOSVETA™, an LPC Rich Form of Krill Oil
Ian Chant
Semi-Retired GM
Aker Biomarine
How Feiolix Raises GLP-1 Levels and Offers a Natural Alternative to Synthetic Semiglutides, New Research
Phillipa Thompson
Product Champion – BerriQi & Feiolix
Anagenix
The Zealife Institute: Pioneering Bioactivity Testing for Natural Products
Associate Professor Alexander Tups
Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago
Presenting for Aroma (NZ) Ltd
The Non-Animal Chondroitin Sulfate – Mythocondro®: A Breakthrough in Fermentation Technology
Marco Atanassi
APAC & China Sales Director
Gnosis by Lesaffre
Kaneka Ubiquinol™ Supports Mitochondrial Function and Healthy Ageing – the New Frontier of Wellbeing
Stephanie Berglin
Nutritionist, Herbalist & Educator
Kaneka Ubiquinol
Wellmune: Immune Trainer for Everyday Health
Deepti Mishra
Key Account Manager
Kerry Ingredients
Swisse Nootropics Range – Approaches to Evidence-Based Formulation and Communication of Cognition Benefits
Novita Puspasari
Scientific Affairs Manager
Swisse
Postbiotics and Inactivated Microorganisms, their Definitions, Challenges, and Opportunities – an Innovative Approach to Using Microorganisms for Human Health
Caren Biddulph
Technical & Regulatory Affairs Manager, Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia
Sacco System
Cathy Smith
Technical & Sales Director, Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia
Sacco System
Sustainable Product from Valorised Biowaste
Dr Ali Reza Nazmi
Director of Studies, Chemical Formulation Design
School of Product Design, University of Canterbury
Thank you to our Sponsors
