2025 CRN Board of Directors Results
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has announced the results of its recent 2025 Board of Directors election including new leadership appointments:
- Bruce Brown, President, Ingredients Division at Seraphina Therapeutics, has been elected Chairman of the Board
- Karen Todd, R.D., Vice President, Global Brand Marketing at Kyowa Hakko U.S.A., Inc., has been named Chair-Elect
- Board of Directors has re-elected Chris Reid (Plexus Worldwide) to serve as Treasurer and Aaron Bennett (Vytalogy Wellness) as Secretary of the organization for the 2025-26 term
- 2025-26 Executive Committee adds Travis Borchardt, Vice President of Product Integrity & Compliance at Nature’s Way Brands; Katie Butler, Head of US Zarbee’s & Dietary Supplements at Kenvue/Zarbee’s; Paola Clavijo, Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Risk Management at Unilever Health & Wellbeing; Karina Ong, VP Marketing, Wellness, at Haleon; Micah Osborne, President of Stratum Nutrition; and Haeri Roh-Schmidt, Ph.D., VP, Global R&D Central Product Innovation at Herbalife Nutrition.
- Six new members have joined the Board of Directors: Diane Alexander, Ph.D., Sales Director at Verb Biotics; Eric Bauer, CEO of MeriCal, LLC; Fred Boned, SVP & General Manager Human Nutrition & Health at Balchem Corporation; Karina Ong, VP Marketing, Wellness at Haleon; Bradley Reynolds, President & CEO of Fermenta USA; and Anthony Weston, Chief Executive Officer of SUANNUTRA
Steve Mister, President & CEO of CRN shared his thoughts on the new appointees: "The strength of CRN lies in the expertise, leadership, and dedication of our Board members...Bruce Brown’s leadership as Chair, alongside our newly elected Executive Committee and Board members, will help guide the association’s advocacy efforts and industry initiatives in the coming year. Their diverse perspectives and common commitment to science-based nutrition will be instrumental in ensuring CRN continues to protect and promote the responsible growth of our industry.”
For more on the election, including a full list of CRN’s 2025 Board of Directors and Executive Committee, visit crnusa.org/crn-board-directors
Naturally Seattle Hosts Pitch Competition
Applications are now open for Naturally Seattle's upcoming premier competition, Naturally Rising. The event will provide a platform for emerging, purpose-driven brands within the natural products industry to gain exposure, refine their pitches, and receive mentorship as they prepare for retail success. “Naturally Rising is more than a competition—it's a celebration of innovation, purpose, and the incredible entrepreneurial spirit driving the natural products industry forward,” shared Debi Goldman, Executive Director of Naturally Seattle. “We are proud to provide a platform that empowers emerging brands, connects them with industry leaders, and helps them take the next step in their journey to success.”
The competition will select five finalists to receive one-on-one mentorship to prepare for their live pitch in front of prominent industry judges. The winner will be given the opportunity to present on a national stage at the national Naturally Rising pitch competition during Newtopia Now in Denver, Colorado on August 20-22, 2025. The national champion will be awarded exclusive prizes including a booth at Expo West 2026.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have an annual revenue of at least $100,000 and no more than $2,000,000.
- Have a retail partner (physical or online retailer distribution).
- Be an active Naturally Seattle member.
- Be available to attend Newtopia Now in Denver, CO, on August 20-22, 2025.
For more information regarding sponsorships, mentorships, judging positions, and applications, visit naturallynetwork.org/naturally-rising or contact debi@naturallyseattle.org
HOWTIAN's Commitment to Fair Trade
Global stevia production company, HOWTIAN, is offering audiences an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their stevia fields in China with their latest HOWTIAN's Fair Trade Impact: Supporting Stevia Farmers, Strengthening Supply Chains report. The write-up is an overview of the company's long standing dedication to fair trade practices and their commitment to the farmers who help make their work possible. Included are stories from real farmers discussing their challenges, triumphs, and the impacts of supply chain and examples of how HOWTIAN’s integrated supply chain ensures that every step upholds the highest standards of sustainability and fairness. "For many farmers, a natural disaster can mean the difference between putting food on the table or not," shared Rina Wang, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. “Our Contract Farming model helps ensure these farmers don’t lose their livelihoods overnight.” A full version of the report is available here
Bioiberica Partnering with STAUBER
Global life science company, Bioiberica, has announced a new strategic partnership with U.S. nutraceutical ingredients distributor, STAUBER. As of January 1, the partnership began its mission of expanding Bioiberica's ingredients of mobility and beauty-from-within in the United States nutraceuticals market. Bioiberica's current ingredients portfolio of unique and on-trend functional health solutions includes native (undenatured) type II collagen ingredient, Collavant n2 (40 mg/day) for joint health, as well as industry-first hyaluronic acid matrix ingredients, Mobilee (80 mg/day) for muscle and joint support and Dermial (60mg/day) for skin and beauty.
“The US plays a pivotal role in our growth strategy, offering unparalleled opportunities to advance innovation and meet rising consumer demand for science-backed health solutions. However, succeeding in this dynamic market requires more than a presence – it demands solid collaboration,” explained Joan Bassa, Director of Human Health at Bioiberica. “Our union with STAUBER goes beyond a distribution agreement – it’s a bold commitment to connect with and empower American supplement manufacturers and advance the field of nutraceutical science through the power of true partnership.”
Indena Secures European CEP For CBD
Indena announced that it is the first global API manufacturer with European CEP certification for its CBD extract. The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) has certified the company's compliance and issued it with the European Pharmacopoeia Certificate of Eligibility (CEP). Indena's hemp biomass is processed in a pharmaceutical-grade facility authorized by AIFA and inspected by leading international regulatory agencies, including the FDA, KFDA, and PMDA. The CEP certification emphasizes the company's high quality CBD and their commitment to adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Cecilia Nastro, Regulatory Affairs Department, commented on the milestone: "This CEP certification represents a significant step forward for Indena. The extensive analytical work undertaken by our team, who meticulously examined our API and processes to meet the demanding standards of this European certification, demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable pharmaceutical ingredients. This achievement positions us well to meet the growing global demand for rigorously certified CBD products”.
Regenerative Organic Certified Launches National Consumer Campaign
Regenerative Organic Certified label is introducing a new national campaign, "Heal the Earth, Nourish your Life." to raise awareness and expand demand for Regenerative Organic Certified products. The new initiative is part of the organizations objective of educating retailers, consumers, brands, and producers on the healing power of regenerative organic agriculture. Paid social, digital banner ads, and thought leadership articles highlighting farmers and producers who are committed to restoring soil health, protecting animal welfare, and promoting social fairness, from food to fashion will all be a part of the campaign.
"Those of us involved in this movement know that we have no choice but to get big quickly and reach as many people as possible, from the farmer to the consumer. We are very grateful for all ROC brands and allies who have supported us in developing a campaign that will truly change the way consumers think about what it means, in their own words, to support regenerative organic products," shared Elizabeth Whitlow, ROA's founding Executive Director.
2025 Private Label Hall of Fame Nominations
Earlier this month, the PLMA accepted nominations for the Private Label Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. Created by Private Label Manufacturers Association in 2006 to honor and celebrate prominent members of the private label industry for their achievements and contributions, this year's honors will recognize individuals in four categories:
- Lifetime Achievement
- Private Brand Champion
- Private Brand Innovator
- Next Gen Private Label Leader
Retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, the trade press, market researchers, consultants and others who have contributed to the growth and development of the private label industry are all eligible for the decoration. Nominees will be notified by the end of February and inducted during the PLMA's Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Scottsdale in April.
Natural Grocers Expands House Brand
Shoppers of Natural Grocer stores will be treated to several new House-Brand products ranging from Organic Coffee Pods to Organic Wheat Pasta and Biodynamic Pasta Sauces. The family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer has announced four varieties of single-use Organic Coffee Pods, six new Organic Wheat Pastas and five new flavors of Organic Pasta Sauces to its collection of Natural Grocers Brand Products. Coffee lovers will be to choose from Organic Breakfast Blend, Organic Breakfast Blend, Organic Decaf Breakfast Blend, Organic French Roast flavor options. All are Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Fair Trade Certified, 100% Arabica Coffee, and Vegan Friendly.
The new organic durum wheat semolina pasta offerings are Certified Organic, vegan, non-GMO, made with plant-based, dairy-free ingredients, and will be available in: Organic Spaghetti, Organic Fettuccine, Organic Fusilli, Organic Shells, Organic Penne, and Organic Farfalle.
Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing at Natural Grocers, spoke on the new pasta offerings, "Pasta is a food that inspires connection and creativity in the kitchen. With our new organic wheat pastas and biodynamic pasta sauces, we are providing our customers with the exceptional taste, texture, and flavor they deserve—whether they're whipping up a quick weeknight meal or crafting a gourmet feast. At Natural Grocers, we are committed to offering high-quality products that reflect our dedication to sustainability and affordability."
The new pasta sauce options are also Certified Organic, Non-GMO, with no added sugar, and made without Artificial Flavorings, Additives or Preservatives, or Synthetic Colors and be available in Organic Biodynamic Puttanesca, Organic Biodynamic Ortolana, Organic Biodynamic Arrabbiata, Organic Biodynamic Classic Italian Basil, Organic Tomato Ricotta.
Vitamin Shoppe Launches Creatine Beadlets
The Vitamin Shoppe has joined forces with biotech innovation company, Specnova, to produce BodyTech Elite Creatine Beadlets, the first-ever product formulated with Specnova’s NovaQSpheres delivery technology for dietary supplements. Available exclusively at The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements, BodyTech Elite is formulated with four layers of creatine wrapped in polymers that protect creatine waste during digestion, providing greater creatine muscle saturation, and supporting prolonged muscle feeding and uptake. The supplements use of NovaQSpheres delivery system technology offers a precision-controlled release of active ingredients for enhanced absorption and improved efficacy.
Muriel Gonzalez, President of The Vitamin Shoppe, commented on the products release: “Creatine is one of the most popular, fastest-growing sports nutrition supplements at The Vitamin Shoppe, so we are especially excited to introduce BodyTech Elite Creatine Beadlets as its exclusive retailer. This advanced delivery format is a revolutionary innovation in this important product category, offering new advantages in muscle feeding and uptake, loading and cycling requirements, and supplement effectiveness for a broad range of creatine users.”
Natac Factory Receives Certification
Grupo Natac (NAT) has achieved GMP+ and Halal seals for its omega-3 factory in As Somozas (Coruña). The biotechnology company opened the facility in mid-September and will specialize in the sustainable production of botanical extracts and omega-3 oils. Halal certification guarantees the omega-3 manufactured at the A Coruña factory complies with the requirements established by the Islamic law. GMP+ certificate recognizes that the facility complies with strict international standards of quality and safety in the manufacture of products. The awarding of both seals enable Natac to expand its presence within national and international Muslim consumer markets and ensures that the production and factory management processes are adequate to deliver products that comply with local regulations and surpass international expectations, respectively.
Antonio Delgado, Natac's CEO, spoke on the brands latest achievement: "With these first two certificates we are responding to our customers’ needs, and we position ourselves as a reference in the sector by being at the forefront of responsible production. These seals allow us to continue growing and offering products that meet the highest quality and safety requirements."
