On 23rd January, the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance members gathered in London for their Annual General Meeting (AGM) to discuss the association’s achievements, challenges, but also the new strategy for the year ahead. 2019 also marks the 16th anniversary for ESSNA, an important period of time that matured the organization and led to greater results, making it the voice of the of the sports nutrition industry.

The meeting was led by ESSNA Chair Dr Adam Carey with the support of ESSNA Secretariat which is provided by the Whitehouse Consultancy.

ESSNA’s policy and regulatory active involvement in the sports nutrition sector remains an important pillar for its future activity. A policy and regulatory landscape that is fit for purpose is essential to maximise business opportunities for ESSNA. One of ESSNA’s main strands of work is to ensure that the specificities of the sector and needs of sportspeople are properly considered so that businesses can continue to develop innovative products for consumers across the EU.

Another important aspect for ESSNA family is to be fully prepared for all the challenges but also the opportunities that the most important political moments from 2019 will bring: Brexit and the European elections.

ESSNA’s efforts to ensure the sports nutrition products are safe, effective, easily available and transparent via its non-compliance campaign is reaping success after success being run for already the fifth year across the EU, targeting manufacturers, distributors and retailers who fall short of industry standards. As a result, ESSNA was recently shortlisted in the European Association Awards 2019 within the ‘Most Innovative Development by an Association’ category. The finalists will be announced on 28th March 2019.  Fingers crossed!

ESSNA members are looking forward to further engage and to speaking loud when necessary ensuring the voice of the sports nutrition industry is heard and understood.