AHPA Appoints Interim Executive Director
Effective immediately, Jane Wilson is Interim Executive Director of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). Wilson will use her experience in regulatory affairs and program management within the natural products industry to continue AHPA's essential work and its commitment towards issues affecting the herbal product and dietary supplement industries. The current Director of Program Development shared on thoughts on agreeing to take on the new leadership role to support and ensure continuity for the program during the search for the next AHPA President. "I am honored to lead AHPA during this important time of transition," Wilson shared. "Our industry plays a vital role in supporting consumer health and wellness, and I am committed to ensuring AHPA continues to be a strong and reliable advocate for our members.” For more on AHPA's search for its next President, check out our recent coverage.
Circana Expands Consumer Receipt Panel and DAP Program
Circana has expanded its Complete Consumer receipt panel to 200,000 static households. The panel is a tracker of purchasing behavior for the same set of consumers over time offering companies insights of consumer purchase behavior across consumer packaged goods (CPG) allowing them to develop effective marketing and sales strategies. Use of Ciranca's Complete Consumer solution helps general merchandise, beauty, and foodservice businesses get a full picture of consumer decision-making, allowing them to analyze cross-category trends and understand market impacts.
“Circana is dedicated to delivering the largest U.S. panel of static users, which is the gold standard for delivering the most precise data in the industry and empowering businesses to uncover the full impact of consumer behavior across multiple categories,” explained Patty Altman, President of Global Solutions at Circana.
The company is also continuing to empower minority- and women-owned businesses with the launch of the fourth cohort of its Diversity Advantage Program (DAP). Now its fourth year, the initiative provides access to key consumer data, expert coaching, and consulting services and is supported by over 225 Circana employees throughout the U.S., Canada, and UK. Eligibility to join the program requires companies have annual sales between $1 million and $25 million and can be recommended by a participating retailer. The newest participants in Circana’s Diversity Advantage Program include:
- Azteca Bakeries
- BeautyStat
- Carmichael’s Honey
- Fashion Fair
- Luv Yu Bakery
- Mas Panadas
- Michele’s Granola
- Mingle Mocktails
- MyTagAlongs
- Nilo Brands
- Painterland Sisters
- RollinGreens
- Sanzo
- Seattle Chocolate Company
- Shaw’s Ice Cream
- St. Jean’s Cannery
- Superfoodio
- Tayion Collection
“The results we’ve seen diverse-owned businesses achieve through DAP over the past four years inspire us and make us proud to collaborate with them on their growth journeys,” shared Boris Oglesby, Executive Vice President and Practice Leader, Circana. “Each DAPer brings a unique story and ambition, and supporting them in breaking barriers and reaching their goals is a privilege. We’re excited to welcome this new cohort and look forward to all they will accomplish.”
WIN Now Accepting Applications
Non-profit organization Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) is looking to fill four Director positions on its Board of Directors. The position will require a two- or three-year term beginning in April 2025. The Nominating Committee of the WIN Board of Directors accepted applications until January 31, 2025 via its WIN portal for candidates who met the following criteria:
- Qualifications: Evaluate candidates based on skills, experience and specific expertise (e.g., fund raising, networking, legal, grant writing, etc.).
- Diversity and Inclusion: Strive for demographic, regional and professional diversity to enrich board perspectives.
- Commitment: Assess candidate's capacity to contribute actively through meetings, events, and initiatives, keeping in mind that they can be available for a minimum of 75% of board meetings in a year. Candidates must understand that, at this point, WIN is a working board; that they must be willing to roll up their sleeves and actively engage in achieving WIN's objectives.
- Alignment with Values: Ensure candidates share WIN's core values, mission, and strategic vision.
- Leadership Potential: Prioritize candidates with strategic thinking and collaboration skills.
- Network: Evaluate potential to recruit new members and sponsors.
- Active Involvement: Prioritize candidates demonstrating understanding and involvement in women's issues in nutraceuticals or allied sector.
- Candidates must be a WIN member.
Eligible nominees will be reviewed and presented to the WIN board throughout the month of February. Elections will be held between March 24 and April 7, 2025 with results being announced by April 14. New officers will be inaugurated on April 26, 2025 during the WIN annual meeting.
Singapore Welcomes Sustainable Foods Summit
The fourth Asia-Pacific edition of the Sustainable Foods Summit will be taking place later this month at the ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay Singapore. The two-day event will be held on February 25th and 26th and feature four key sessions:
- Sustainability Update: Opening keynote from Professor William Chen, Director of the Food Science and Technology Programme at Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU).
- Ingredient Innovations: Somsubhra GanChoudhuri, Founder & CEO of Ai Palette, will discuss Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used by food and beverage companies to identify suitable ingredients and create sustainable products.
- Future Trends: Calisa Lim from the APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture will share an update on cultured meat and seafood, emphasizing regulatory developments.
- Marketing Update: Consumer and Market Trends. Trezelene Chan, Head of Sustainability in APAC at Kantar, will discuss consumer behavior towards sustainable products.
Other topics that will be discussed during the event include: The challenges of scaling sustainable agriculture in Asia, the low interest in organic and regenerative farming, details on how upcycling is transforming ugly fruit and byproducts into high-value ingredients, ingredient sourcing trends, sustainability benefits of urban farming, and the marketing issues that come with sustainable food and beverages.
For more on the event, including registration information, please visit Sustainable Foods Summit.
New 90-Minute Class Educates on Regenerative Agriculture
Kiss the Ground is helping educate industry professionals, educators, climate activists, consumers, farmers, and anyone interested in the conversation surrounding regenerative agriculture with a new, 90-minute, on-demand, Regenerative Agriculture Essentials course. The self-paced seminar consist of five engaging learning modules exploring the impact of soil health on our wellness, water, and climate. Registrants will connect with Kiss the Ground teachers, guest speakers, and industry experts, and other key figures in the Regenerative Movement, through insightful lessons, video lectures, interviews, and clips from the Kiss the Ground and Common Ground films.
“At Kiss the Ground, we produce and publish content daily aimed to engage and include a vast array of audiences in the regenerative conversation. Regenerative Agriculture Essentials is a super-digestible, 90-minute, on-demand course that anyone can dive into with ease. If you are passionate about personal and planetary health, you will greatly appreciate this course and want to share its inspirational messages.” Evan Harrison, CEO of Kiss the Ground.
As more companies grow interested in the regenerative agriculture movement, Kiss the Ground has made it a point to spread education on the emerging concepts within the reg ag division and help inspire important conversations about the importance of soil in human and planetary health. Enrollment information is available here.
Balchem Inks Multi-Year Deal with FC Bayern Women's Soccer Team
Global manufacturer of specialty ingredients for human nutrition and health, Balchem, has agreed to a multi-year partnership between its K2VITAL, vitamin k2 brand, and FC Bayern Women's soccer team to spread awareness of the benefits of vitamin k2 for health and performance. The joint venture will consist of collaborative campaigns, dynamic in-game branding and educational content on and off the field. Through the partnership, Balchem will be able to spotlight the role of K2VITAL in supporting strong bones and healthy hearts to the growing audience for Women's sports.
“I am proud to announce our partnership with FC Bayern Women, one of the most iconic and successful women's soccer teams in the world. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our K2VITAL brand promise 'To Build Inner Strength' and our vision to make the world a healthier place. Women's soccer is the fastest-growing sport globally, with an increasing passionate and engaged fan base that offers a unique opportunity to connect,” shared Dominik Mattern, VP Science, Business Development and Marketing, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health. “By leveraging FC Bayern Women's strong social media reach and multichannel presence, this partnership will elevate our brand visibility, educate consumers and inspire healthier lifestyles, while also delivering exceptional value to our B2C co-branding partners. Together, we are championing well-being, diversity and empowerment on a global scale.”
JIAHERB Turns 25
Global manufacturer of natural ingredients and botanical extracts, JIAHERB, are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Founded on August 24, 2000 by Mr. Xiaohu Du, the company was started and operated with less than 30 employees. Today, JIAHERB manufactures herbal extracts and powders, fruit juice and vegetable powders, organics, sweeteners, spices, and is an NSF-registered, GMP-compliant manufacturer of natural ingredients employing over 2,000 individuals, servicing more than 3,000 customers all over the world, with a portfolio of over 2,000 botanical extracts and powders including over 200 patents for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food and beverage industries. They also hold over 20 accreditations and certifications including multiple ISO certifications, NSF-GMP Registered, Non-GMO Verified, USDA Organic Certified, HACCP certified, BRCGS certified, European Union Organic Certified, ABC Member and Sponsor, and AHPA Member.
“Reaching 25 years is just the tipping point to our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction,” said Du. “From the very start with less than 30 employees and one product to a global leader with a vast portfolio – this journey has been made possible by our incredible team, loyal customers, and dedication to excellence. We are excited for the next quarter century.”
Waterloo Sparkling Water Partners with NY Rangers & MSG
Waterloo Sparkling Water will now be available to sports and entertainment enthusiasts visiting "The World's Most Famous Arena", Madison Square Garden. Fans will be able to stop by a newly dedicated concession stand on the sixth floor Infosys Level concourse to purchase the brand's line of refreshing H2O beverages. The new partnership will also include premier digitally enhanced dasherboards and in-arena LED signage brand integration during all New York Rangers home games.
“We are thrilled to be an official partner of the New York Rangers and Madison Square Garden,” said Kathy Maurella, Chief Marketing Officer of Waterloo Sparkling Water. “Bringing the unique, full-out flavor experience of Waterloo to the fans enjoying the full-on action in The World’s Most Famous Arena marks a milestone for the brand, as our largest multi-year venue sponsorship to date.”
Nu Femme Wins Ingredient of The Year Award
The Functional Food for Wellness Summit 2025 has presented HP Ingredients' Nu Femme with the Annual Ingredient of the Year Award for Women's Health. Held in Bangkok, Thailand, the event is a gathering of leaders from Asia's nutraceutical and functional food industry including manufacturers, distributors, researchers, and product developers. Honoring innovation and excellence in addressing the unique needs of women through natural and science-backed solutions, the award was accepted by Annie George Ph.D., Head of Science for Biotropics Malaysia during the January conference.
“According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, approximately 6,000 women in the US reach menopause every day,” commented Annie Eng, CEO of HP Ingredients. “This figure represents a powerful market opportunity for Nu Femme. This distinctive ingredient aligns with and fulfils the increasing demand for evidence-based, plant-derived ingredients in the U.S. women’s health market, valued at over $50 billion."
LittleOak Company Partners with Gather Brands
Woman-owned infant and children's nutrition brand, The LittleOak Company, is partnering with women-led sales agency Gather Brands to help drive U.S. retail growth in the natural CPG market. LittleOak halves the traditional heating process to preserve the natural nutritional value of their full cream goat milk and uses a "From Fresh" approach with its infant and toddler formula which is 100% palm oil free certified by the POFCAP. As a partner, Gather Brands will look to help the company expand packing ad shipping operations of its Natural Goat Milk Toddler Drink in the United States.
“It’s wonderful to be working with another women-led business and we will continue to work with retailers that share our commitment to showing families that there are significantly better ways to nourish their children,” said Ms. Pascoe. “In a market where numerous infant and toddler formulas are marketed by men to women, I felt compelled to offer something different—a significantly more natural and nutritious product, lovingly crafted by a mother, for mothers everywhere,” commented LittleOak founder and CEO, Elke Pascoe.
