Anaheim, CA—The organic community celebrated science and innovation at Natural Products Expo West for the organic industry’s second annual “Organic Oscars” hosted by The Organic Center and Organic Voices. More than 600 industry members attended the event to recognize organic brands and organizations helping to grow the $70-billion sector and communicate the benefits of choosing products with the USDA Organic seal.
“An Organic Night Out with Sprouts and Friends” showcased honorees in nine categories. Gary Hirshberg, co-founder of Stonyfield Farm, emceed the awards ceremony and was joined on stage by VIP guests including Jennifer Siebel Newsom, First Partner of California. Siebel Newsom is an award-winning filmmaker and advocate who has championed efforts to establish first-in-the-nation state funding for universal school meals for all public-school children in California and led the work to develop the innovative California Farm to School initiative. Additional speakers at the event were Dr. Amber Sciligo, Senior Director of Science Programs for The Organic Center; Katrina Staves, Executive Director of Organic Voices; and Matthew Dillon, co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association.
“The organic sector has once again demonstrated that its longstanding commitment to trusted science, breakthrough innovation, creative marketing and education, and unwavering resilience drives industry growth,” said Hirshberg. “We congratulate these well-deserved winners of our second annual ‘Organic Oscars’ – they are the heroes and change makers who are helping expand the organic industry by demonstrating the value and benefits of products carrying the USDA Organic seal.”
First Partner Seibel Newsom added, “It was inspiring to be among so many passionate advocates, farmers, and business leaders dedicated to investing in healthier children, stronger local economies, and a more sustainable future…one created by a food system that nourishes people, protects the planet, and values those who grow our food.”
Sprouts was a supporter of the event. “Sprouts was proud to support 'An Organic Night Out,' bringing together leaders and innovators dedicated to helping people live and eat better,” said Kim Coffin, Chief Forager of Sprouts. “Events like these play an essential role in educating consumers on the importance of organic choices for both personal health and the planet. We were honored to celebrate the impactful achievements across the industry that continue to make organic options more accessible for everyone.”
And the Winners of the “Organic Oscars” Are...
Organic Company of the Year: Lundberg Family Farms
This award recognizes the company that has done the most to advance interest, awareness, sales, and support of certified organic products. Lundberg Family Farm is a family-owned business that has championed organic agriculture for nearly 100 years.
Best New Organic Food Product: Painterland Sisters’ Passionfruit Skyr Yogurt
This award goes to the organic product delivering excitement and novelty to the market while creating the most positive impression of Organic ‘goodness’ and effectively communicating the benefits of organic to consumers. Painterland Sisters’ new Passionfruit Skyr Yogurt is made with certified organic milk from Pennsylvania family dairy farms, including from the founders' 4th-generation grazing dairy farm. The company, which won “Organic Company of the Year Award” in 2024, is one of the fastest-growing yogurt brands in the natural grocery channel.
Best New Organic Beverage:Traditional Medicinals Stress Ease Teas
This award goes to the brand that delivers real excitement and novelty to the market and creates the most positive impression of Organic ‘goodness’ while also effectively communicating the benefits of organic to consumers. Traditional Medicinals, the leading organic botanical wellness company, launched its new Stress Ease tea line late last year. The collection features Focus, Immune, and Tension Relief, harnesses the power of adaptogens and nervines.
Best New Non-food product: True Grace True Littles MicroVeggies
This award honors a supplement, personal care, textile, pet food or other non-food-item that delivers real excitement and novelty to the market, and that creates the most positive impression of Organic ‘goodness.’ True Grace True Littles MicroVeggies is a nutrient-dense blend of broccoli and sunflower microgreens, sourced from Regenerative Organic Certified farms.
Most Impactful Research Finding: University of Minnesota WCROC
This award recognizes the organic research result or finding that most excites and motivates consumers, retailers, food service and restaurateurs to choose organic. Researchers at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) studied red seaweed supplementation in organic dairy cattle and showed its potential to significantly reduce methane emissions without affecting milk production, animal health, or product quality. The study found SeaGraze altered rumen fermentation, leading to lower methane output, with no adverse effects on body weight, rumination behavior, or milk fatty acid profiles, supporting its feasibility for organic dairy farming.
Best Organic Messaging (Social Media or PR): Pete and Gerry’s “Eggs as Nature Intended”
This award recognizes the best marketing or communications messaging that excites consumers about the benefits of organic in terms of human health, animal welfare, climate and the environment. Pete & Gerry’s “Eggs as Nature Intended” campaign features the brand’s new “spokesworm,” a playful and optimistic character enjoying life alongside free-range hens on a sunny Pete & Gerry’s organic egg farm. The worm narrates how the hens roam organic pastures, eating organic food (like...worms) and producing high-quality eggs—just as nature intended.
Best Organic Retailer Activation: MOM’s Organic Markets
This award honors the most creative and effective organic in-store or digital communication conveying news about organic or reasons to buy organic that educate and motivate today’s consumer. MOM’s Organic Markets, founded in 1987 in Maryland, has stores in six states and Washington, D.C., and employs more than 1,000 people and is dedicated to protecting and restoring the environment.
Best Organic Supplier: Gallant International, Inc.
The Best Organic Supplier award is presented to the supplier demonstrating exceptional commitment to advancing organic agriculture by providing high-quality, certified organic ingredients, materials, or services to brands, manufacturers, or retailers. Gallant International is a purpose-driven private label company helping over 500 companies on their organic cotton journey. Gallant supports 919 farmers in Odisha, India, by providing non-GMO cotton and intercropping seeds, covering tools, training, and certification costs. Gallant purchases their harvest at organic and fair-trade premiums and with long-term commitments.
Emerging Organic Brand of the Year – Lil Bucks
This award honors a new business of five years or less that has made significant strides in revenue growth, exposure, innovation, or market penetration while leading with clear messaging about the benefits of organic. Lil Bucks is on a mission to create the “Quaker Oats of Buckwheat.” The company aims to expand the market for sprouted buckwheat, which is a minor crop in the U.S. but an agricultural staple in many countries.
