NHPNZ's Corporate Affairs Director Alison Quesnel said it was great to see some smaller, newer companies coming to the fore in this year's awards.
"In typical Kiwi 'can-do' style, a number of this year's winners overcame significant hurdles and budget challenges to achieve success.
"Whether they are small or large companies, well-established or a young business, all our winners' successes are a testament to the vibrant, innovative nature of New Zealand's natural health products sector."
The award winners were:
Supreme Award + FernMark Licence Programme Growth Award + Runner-up in Cawthron Institute Innovation Award: Quantec Ltd
Hamilton-based Quantec specialises in high-value bio-actives from natural products, which are developed into proprietary ingredient formulations for use in finished product applications such as human health and animal health.
One such bioactive is a novel milk fraction, comprised of native immune defence proteins that can be used in a variety of applications such as foods, supplements, personal care, cosmetics and animal health remedies.
Award judges said they were inspired by how a little New Zealand company took on such a global challenge, becoming a stand-out success for both innovation and growth.
Announcing Quantec as the Supreme Winner, Quesnel said: "Quantec is a fine example of what this industry is all about. An exciting future lies ahead for Quantec and I look forward to seeing their ongoing evolution and success."
James & Wells Marketing Award (over $2m): Nutra-life
This award recognises a company that has achieved exceptional results from the implementation of an outstanding marketing campaign.
The win was in relation to a highly successful marketing campaign to build awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and to encourage people to take action to maintain a healthy heart by communicating the natural health benefits of Nutra-Life Kyolic Aged Garlic.
Judges said the project was a standout marketing campaign that was an excellent example of leveraging new research on an established product.
James & Wells Marketing Award (under $2m): Anagenix Ltd
This award recognises a company that has achieved exceptional results from the implementation of an outstanding marketing campaign.
Anagenix was established in 2011 to provide a commercialisation link between ground-breaking New Zealand plant science and the world's best supplement producers. Since then, they have developed a portfolio of products that are sold through distribution networks in the USA, Canada, Australia, Asia and Europe.
Their award win was for a decision to re-position an asthma support product after identifying a gap in the Chinese market for a lung support product, Berri Qi, for consumers worried about the effect of poor air quality on their lung health. This involved re-positioning a product originally targeted at asthma sufferers for the general Chinese consumer market.
Judges said Anagenix created a lot with a small budget, achieving outstanding results.
Highly Commended: Biobalance
BioBalance is a small, family-owned company that produces a range of high-quality, cruelty-free, ethically sourced, mainly plant-based vegetarian and natural health products for local and international markets. The Collingwood-based company impressed judges with its response to significant marketing challenges associated with its Liposomal range of products.
Judges commented on BioBalance's impressive return on what was a small investment in marketing, and its great creative execution and effective use of social media.
Cawthron Institute Innovation Award: Maraeroa C Inc.
This award recognises outstanding innovation demonstrated in any facet of business.
Te Kuiti-based Maraeroa C Incorporation is a Maori Land Incorporation comprising 5,500ha of forestry lands in the Pureora region of the Central North Island. Maraeroa C diversified its business in 2006 and now operates Pa Harakeke (an adventure tourism business).
It also grows ginseng in wild and natural conditions as an under-story crop to the pine trees, produces and markets ginseng products under the Pure-ora Mountain Ginseng brand, and produces honey from beehives sited on its lands, It is currently trialling other Chinese herbal crops to develop new products.
Maraeroa C met and overcame a number of challenges associated with growing high-quality ginseng that would meet the requirements of the discerning Chinese market, and lead to market acceptance of New Zealand-grown ginseng as being genuine and of good quality.
Award judges said Maraeroa C was a great story of continuous innovation and problem solving — a true credit to the vision and persistence of the business to keep overcoming hurdles and paving the way for a new industry in New Zealand.
Entries are now open for the first ever NutraIngredients-Asia awards. Ensure your firm, product or research gets the recognition it deserves by entering today. Find out more here.