EHPM Elects Nicholas Cappelaere as Chairperson: What it Means for Supplement Manufacturers
Nicolas Cappelaere, founder of INELDEA Laboratories, has been elected Chairperson of EHPM, the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers. His extensive background in both food supplements and pharmaceuticals signals a continued focus on scientifically grounded and natural health product development within the European regulatory landscape.
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New Leadership at EHPM: Implications for the European Supplement Industry
The European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) has announced the election of Nicolas Cappelaere as its new Chairperson, effective February 2025. This leadership change at a pivotal European industry body carries significant implications for supplement manufacturers, brand owners, and the wider natural health product sector across the continent.
For manufacturers like us at Supplement Factory, understanding the direction EHPM leadership intends to steer is crucial. Cappelaere brings over 35 years of experience spanning both the food supplement and pharmaceutical industries. This dual expertise is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a trajectory where the natural health sector may increasingly integrate pharmaceutical-level rigour in terms of research, development, and compliance. From a formulation standpoint, this could underline a growing emphasis on evidence-based product development and ingredient efficacy, areas where contract manufacturers with robust R&D capabilities will find themselves well-positioned.
Experience and Influence
A qualified chemical engineer with an MBA, Cappelaere founded INELDEA Laboratories in 2003, a company dedicated to the formulation, development, and distribution of natural health products. This practical, hands-on experience in bringing products to market provides him with a unique perspective—one that balances scientific integrity with commercial viability. As Supplement Factory manufactures for numerous private label brands, this understanding from an EHPM leader is reassuring, echoing the need for regulatory frameworks that foster innovation without stifling it.
“His deep background in both product development and business management positions him to navigate the complexities of European regulation, advocating for policies that support both innovation and consumer safety,” says an industry insider.
Cappelaere's long-standing involvement with industry associations further solidifies his influence. He has been an active member of SYNADIET (Syndicat national des compléments alimentaires), the French national syndicate for food supplements, since 2008, and has served on the EHPM Board since 2016. Such extensive engagement within both national and European representative bodies ensures a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This continuous engagement means that EHPM, under his leadership, is likely to be a strong voice in ongoing discussions regarding ingredient approval, health claims, and the harmonisation of regulations across EU member states.
What This Means for Brands and Consumers
Brand owners should particularly note the potential for a renewed push towards clear, scientifically substantiated product claims and high-quality raw material sourcing. For consumers, this leadership could translate into greater trust in natural health products, knowing that industry standards, driven by bodies like EHPM, are being meticulously upheld and advanced by experienced professionals. For contract manufacturers, staying abreast of EHPM's policy recommendations and guidelines will be paramount to ensuring our clients' products remain compliant and competitive within the evolving European landscape.
This trend is being actively addressed by UK manufacturing partners including Supplement Factory.