The Supreme Award and Cawthron Institute Innovation award went to Hamilton-based Quantec, for the second year running.
The firm specialises in high-value bioactives from natural products, particularly in relation to technologies developed from patented discoveries of novel milk protein applications in human and animal health.
Quantec’s award-winning entry was in relation to the company working with its major customer in China to identify a product concept that had never been done before: the combination of an omega-3 oil with an aqueous milk protein powder to produce a high-end innovative nutraceutical product for gut health.
In announcing the Cawthron Institute Innovation Award, judges said Quantec had shown a deep understanding of the nuanced China market and responded with a highly innovative technology.
Quantec had collaborated widely within the Natural Health Products NZ network and, in its reflection, clearly identified and addressed the challenges and opportunities experienced.
Meanwhile, the James & Wells Marketing award (over $2m) wen to GO Healthy for its ‘GO Be You’ campaign.
Its objective was to tap into a human truth and resonate with their lives and aspirations beyond the category
The judges commented that GO Healthy was the standout amongst other high-standard entries in this award category.
“The GO Be You campaign was very comprehensive, driven from well-researched and defined consumer insights. The result was phenomenal success,” said lead judge Lorraine Moser..
Anagenix took home the prize for the under $2m category for the campaign behind its gold kiwi Livaux prebiotic.
Anagenix kept its positioning sharp and narrow, coining the marketing tagline Precision Prebiotic.
Finally, the Fernmark Licence Programme Growth Award, given to the company with the highest percentage increase in total revenue, went to OneOne Health Group.
The company aims to offer the tastiest kids’ dairy products from New Zealand for children who have finished the formula-milk-powder period.
In 2018 OneOne Health achieved growth of 86%.
Elsewhere at the annual summit, the organisation said farewell to long-standing chairman Ron Geiger, who has held the role since the organisation’s incorporation nearly 15 years ago.
Two other long-standing board members Ross Keeley and Minesh Patel also stood down.
The newly-elected Natural Health Products NZ board members are:
- Jackie Herbert (New Zealand Health Manufacturing)
- Chris Johnson (Anagenix)
- Claire Quin (Alaron Products)
- Aviette Musin (Health Post and Bio Balance)
- Lorraine Moser (Vitaco) – re-elected
They join the other board members:
- Samantha Gray (BioEquitas)
- Leigh Kite (Kite Contracting)
- Peter Lehrke (PharmaNZ)
- Phil Rasmussen (Phytomed Medicinal Herbs)
Geiger said: “While it’s the end of an era on one hand, new board members bring new views.
“This ‘changing of the guard’ brings exciting opportunities for Natural Health Products NZ to build upon our success in facilitating the growth and development of a vibrant, collaborative and innovative industry that makes a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy.”
The organisation handed Geiger the Natural Health Products NZ’s Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award.
The award is not conferred every year and is only made in cases where someone has been “truly outstanding”.
Kerry Warn, Natural Health Products NZ General Manager, said: “We have all benefited from Ron’s quiet wisdom. During the six years that I have worked with Ron, I have never failed to be impressed by his deep and wide knowledge of our sector and his razor-sharp insights.
“He has been a rock-solid chair for us – he is truly a man of incredible integrity.”
