The awards ceremony, which took place at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, recognised APAC’s best product development and brightest research in the nutrition and supplements industry.
NutraIngredients-Asia Editor-in-Chief Gary Scattergood said: “We had more than 100 entries and reducing these to a shortlist, and then picking a winner, was a huge challenge.
“That’s why I’d like to thank our independent and expert panel of judges across business and academia, which have spent many hours assessing and evaluating all the entries in great detail.”
Once again, congratulations to all the companies shortlisted and, of course, to the well-deserved winners.
Personalised Nutrition Initiative
Plant-Based Personalized Nutrition & Fitness Report – Nutrigenomix
The Nutrigenomix Plant-Based Personalised Nutrition & Fitness test is the world’s first genetic test kit for plant-based personalised nutrition, providing DNA-based dietary recommendations suitable for individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets.
Each report provides personalised, 100% plant-based advice based on 45 genetic markers including macronutrient, micronutrient and fitness insights, which are delivered through healthcare practitioners.
Scattergood said: “This project was bang on trend and meets the needs of a growing numbers of consumers who are opting to pursue plant-based diets.”
Start-Up of the Year
Vitality Wellness (NZ)
Established only in 2017, the start-up developed five research-based New Zealand Natural Blackcurrant health/dietary supplements (Brain Shield, Complexion, Eyesight, Muscle Performance, Women’s Health.)
Brain Shield was the world’s first patented discovery of cyclic Glycine Proline (cGP), a natural key brain nutrient, which is essential for healthy ageing,
With rising sales in domestic, export and online, the start-up has announced ambitious expansion plans releasing a personal cGP aptamer biomarker in November, and in discussions for licencing, white label and branded options.
According to Scattergood: “The weight of scientific evidence behind the company’s products is highly impressive, as is its strategy for achieving commercial success not only in its homeland, but also across the region.”
Nutrition Research Project
Benefits of LipiSperse® - dispersion technology applications - Pharmako Biotechnologies / Gencor
LipiSperse is a dispersion technology formulated with multiple actives.
The LipiSperse research project was conducted in partnership with RDC Global, Gencor Pacific and several leading universities to highlight the benefits of improving bioavailability, which include improved efficacy, faster onset of action, lower doses, and improved user compliance.
“The judges were very impressed with the company’s evidence of LipiSperse’s ability to increase the bioavailability and functionality of lipophilic actives,” said Scattergood.
Editors Award for Functional Foods Innovation
IsoWhey Kids Complete – Blackmores
Can be incorporated into shakes, meals such as baked goods or desserts, IsoWhey Kids Complete contains protein, vitamins, minerals, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds to support the nutritional needs of children.
According to Scattergood, the editorial team at NutraIngredients-Asia was very impressed by the product’s range of ingredients tailored to children with fussy eating habits whose energy or nutrient intake are often inadequate.
He added: “Blackmores’ entry displayed an impressive combination of innovation and research, while also meeting a clearly-defined need.”
NutraIngredients-Asia’s NutraChampion
Prof Christiani Jeyakumar Henry
The winner of the Nutra Champion award is Professor Christiani Jeyakumar Henry who has had a significant impact on the industry.
He is the founding Director of the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), A*STAR, Singapore which he established in 2014.
CNRC has now become a prestigious, world-class centre, bringing together Singapore’s food companies and facilitated research collaboration between MNCs and SMEs.
Often called the “Godfather of Food & Nutrition in Singapore”, his research areas are in evidence-based science to advance the concept of “food as the new medicine”.
He has collaborated with over 50 industrial partners, published more than 350 peer-reviewed papers and secured research funding more than S$100million.
He has also played a fundamental role in providing scholarship, training and direction to both local and international food industries to tackle nutritional challenges in Asia.
Scattergood said: “Jeya has been at the forefront of nutrition research for many years and is a very worthy winner of this award. By championing evidence-based research into how food and dietary choices can benefit and impact specific Asian populations, he is playing a major role in helping to tackle crucial issues such as diabetes and obesity.”
