Washington, D.C.—The Natural Products Association (NPA) is continuing its tradition of honoring "outstanding individuals and businesses" with its annual awards during Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore. This year's awards ceremony will be held on September 16th at 3:00 pm in the Baltimore Convention Center in Room 323.

In an official statement, Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., CEO and executive director of the NPA, stated, “The Natural Products Association has a long history of excellence and this year’s crop of winners represents the best the industry has to offer. Their passion, dedication and hard work are in step with the association’s mission of securing natural products for all, and we look forward to continuing to support and collaborate with all who strive to further the growth of and access to natural products.”

Stuart Pape is this year's President's Award recipient for his long-term contributions as a champion for the food and beverage industry. He regularly appears before the FDA to fight against unjust extension of their power. He has also written several books on FDA regulations.

The late Bob Ullman ​will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his major role in defending the supplements industry against unjust actions by the FDA and FTC in court.  

AAK Personal Care will be honored with the Industry Champion Award for its contributions to the industry above and beyond commercial success. The firm makes  vegetable-based emollients, bioactives and other ingredients for personal care products, and is said to have "outstanding technical expertise and service."

The Clinician Award will go to internationally recognized expert Tieraona Low Dog, M.D.

Cambridge Naturals will received the Socially Responsible Retailer Award for "excelling in social responsibility in multiple aspects of their businesses, such as volunteerism, education, employee empowerment, environment and health."

Posted on WholeFoods Magazine Online 9/10/15,