WholeFoods Magazine was pleased to honor many of the recipients of the 2012 Natural Choice Awards at Expo East. Publisher Heather Wainer and Editor/Associate Publisher Kaylynn Chiarello-Ebner visited the booths of the award winners recognized below:
Now Foods’ Dan Richards and team accepts the full supplements line award from Wainer.
Bluebonnet Nutrition’s Whey Protein Isolate received the sports nutrition award from Wainer. Accepting the trophy is Pat Hessler, national sales nanager; Mindy Barrows, sales; and Bob Barrows, VP sales and marketing.
fücoThin from Garden of Life took home the weight loss award. Wainer presented the award to Garden of Life. Pictured are Kent Keyser, VP of sales (left) and Brian Ray, president (right).
Nature’s Plus was honored twice: T MALE in the Specialty Supplements category and Animal Parade in the children’s supplement category. Wainer gives award to Shari Allen, VP of sales.
Barlean’s Olive Leaf Complex was the winner in the herbal supplement category. Karen Barlean, CEO, Jim Springer, president, Andreas Koch, marketing director receive a trophy from Wainer.
Daiya Foods won in the vegan foods category for its Cheese Style Shreds. Chiarello-Ebner presents a trophy to Daiya Foods: Mike Cooke, vice president of sales; Andre Kroecher, vice president of innovation and founder; Ashleen Montgomery, social media coordinator; Nicky Shaw, brand manager; Michael Lynch, vice president of marketing; Darren Turik, food service business development manager.
In the Sensitive Diets category, Udi’s Gluten Free won for its breads. Chiarello-Ebner gives award to Angie Hoagland, brand manager; T.J. Mcintyre, GM; Katie Lampkin, ambassador coordinator; Leigh Buckley, marketing coordinator.
The winner in the nutrition bar category was KIND Bars. Receiving the award are Todd O’Rourke, Northeast regional manager; Jillian Waggoner, sales representative; Cathy Kraus, Midwest regional manager; Adeena Cohen, marketing coordinator; Ryan Bailey, Southeast ASM; Jeff Aiken, field marketing manager; Meredith Nadler, associate brand manager; Seth Brody, NY district sales manager; Rami Leshem, vice president of strategic channels with Chiarello-Ebner.
Zevia soda was the winner in the beverages category. Chiarello-Ebner gives a trophy to Jeff Dean, vice president of sales, Eastern division; Jeff Taylor, vice president of sales; Natalie Gershon, vice president of marketing; Robert Gay, SVP, sales and marketing.
derma e Natural Bodycare’s full line won in the skincare category. Wainer gives a trophy to David Stearn and Linda Miles.
The hair care award went to Mill Creek Botanicals for its Biotin Shampoo. Rajeev Prasad, vice president of sales, receives the award from Wainer.
Meanwhile, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) gave its highest honor (the 2012 Organic Leadership Awards) to Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farm and Zea Sonnabend of CCOF. The awards, with 15 years of tradition, were presented during OTA’s Awards Gala. These awards “recognize outstanding individuals who have shown leadership and vision in furthering the goals of the organic movement.” Hirshberg was recognized for growing the organic industry, while Sonnabend received the award for growing organic agriculture.
In addition, the official Natural Products Expo East Show Awards were given to:
Best Packaging: Angie’s Kettle Corn by Angie’s Artisan Treats
Most Innovative: Sea Sprinkles by Seasnax
Best New Green Product: Eco Nuts Natural Laundry Soap by Eco Nuts
Best New Food: Parmesan & Rosemary Popcorn by Quinn Popcorn, and Coconut Tea by Dr. B’s Premium Microbrewed Tea
Best New Health & Beauty: Raw Honey Face Wash by Worker B
Best New Supplements/Herbs: Ultra Collagen Booster by Reserveage Organics
Best of Press: Garlic and Herbs Culinary Spread by Earth Balance
NEXTY Editors’ Choice award winners: One Degree Organics, Vega, Sir Richard’s Condom Company
NEXTY Poll award winners: TCHO, YouTheory, Eco Nuts, OJO Fortified Eye Care Nectar.
