Rich Vitamins of New York, NY received kosher certification for its alternaVites and alternaVites Kids multivitamin and mineral products from the Orthodox Union. In other news, the company won the SupplySide Editor’s Choice Award for Multivitamins.

Greeley, CO-based Natracare received the Best Eco and Sustainable Product Award 2012 for the company’s organic and natural Ultra Pads range at the Natural Products Scandinavia tradeshow.

Nordic Naturals of Watsonville, CA is hosting the Learn. Inspire. Change. 2013 What’s Essential Essay Scholarship for college students. Students must write about what they believe are the essential components of one’s education that their generation needs to make a positive impact on the world. The winner will receive $5,000 for college and a year’s supply of Nordic Naturals’ products. The essay will be accepted on Nordic Naturals Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals from January 1 through March 31, 2013.

Nordic Naturals also launched a mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android users.

The results of a new study on a supplement rich in cocoa flavanols (CocoaWell from Reserveage Organics) suggest it benefits healthy blood vessel function. Steven Lamm, M.D., of New York University, gave 10 patients (ages 18-60) with risk factors for cardiovascular issues the cocoa supplement for two months. The patients weren’t receiving other treatment. Lamm tested endothelial function using the non-invasive EndoPAT test and found an improvement in their blood vessel function.

Pacific Pioneers Brokerage of Laguna Beach, CA will now represent Savesta herbal supplements in the Southern California territory.

Simi Valley, CA-based derma e Natural Bodycare will continue supporting The Paraguay Project, a group that makes a positive impact on biological and environmental conditions in Paraguay. derma e purchases hand-crafted Spiderweb Lace at a fair market price from co-ops in Paraguay and sells them to U.S. boutiques and online. The profits and a percentage of all product sales are given to three non-governmental organizations: Guyra Paraguay, Clyde E. Bay Foundation and GlobaI Infancia.

Trace Minerals Research of Ogden, UT announced that ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops and ConcenTrace Agricultural were reviewed by the Organic Materials Review Institute and are allowed for use in certified organic production or processing.

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) of Brattleboro, VT said its 2012 Annual Fund campaign grew by nearly 25% over 2011 and reached a new record. Funds raised go toward OTA’s government relations, consumer education and media outreach work in the United States and Canada. Some 225 companies contributed a combined $850,000+ in the United States and $75,000+ for the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA).

RESCUE Remedy of North Andover, MA gave 5% of its sales at Whole Foods Market locations to Whole Planet Foundation.

Eco Lips of Cedar Rapids, IA reformulated several items in its line with Fair Trade ingredients.

The Planet Dog Foundation held its Woofminster 2012 Annual Amateur Dog Show and Cover Dog Challenge in September. The group raised more than $3,000 to help support service dogs, therapy dogs, K-9 search and rescue programs and other ways that dogs work to help people in need.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, December 2012