Excellence in the New Zealand natural products industry was recognised last night at the Natural Products New Zealand Industry Awards gala dinner in Nelson.

The winners were recognised across a range of categories including excellence in export, marketing, and science and innovation.

Natural Products New Zealand Exporter of the Year was awarded to New Image Group – a world leader in colostrum products.  The company demonstrated unprecedented growth in 2009 with turnover increasing from $36.6 million to $98.1 million, underpinned by 578 per cent growth in exports to Malaysia and 38.4 per cent growth to Taiwanese markets.

Vitaco was awarded the James & Wells Intellectual Property Excellence in Marketing award, with its Nutra-Life winter campaign being recognised for its impact in consolidating all the company’s winter wellness products under the Nutra-Life brand.  The judges noted the growth in sales that came from the implementation of this innovative campaign.

The Cawthron Institute award for Innovation in Science and Technology was presented to Somnaceutics Ltd who was recognised for their product Sleep Time. The company had faced and overcome many challenges from concept through pilot scale production and clinical trials to scale up and product launch.

The individual who was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand Natural Products Industry was Ron Geiger, Chairman Natural Products New Zealand.

“Ron was responsible for helping the natural products industry form a cohesive group in 2002.  For the past eight years Ron has served the industry group as its chair, and has tirelessly contributed his time and expertise for the progression of the industry,” says Michelle Palmer, Executive Director Natural Products New Zealand.

“Without Ron’s contribution the industry group would not be in the strong position it is today,” says Ms Palmer.

“The 2009 awards highlight the continued growth and strength of the industry as New Zealand recovers from a tumultuous economic period.

“It is heartening to see the contribution these companies and individuals continue to make in their fields – often surpassing expectations and setting new benchmarks for excellence in their areas of expertise.

“The natural products industry is an increasingly significant contributor to export earnings for New Zealand with an estimated value of $1 billion in 2009, so it is important that we recognise excellence and further strengthen the industry’s credibility both nationally and on the world stage,” concludes Ms Palmer.

 
Note: The Natural Products New Zealand Industry Awards gala dinner had a medieval theme.

ENDS
For more information or photographs contact

Liane Donovan, Director, DonovanBoyd PR

09 379 2121 or 027 222 7348