Natural and Organic Awards 2015 - Winners announced

This April, the winners of the coveted Natural and Organic Awards 2015 were announced in The Platinum Suite at ExCeL London, after the close of business of the first day of the Natural & Organic Products Europe trade show.

Over 400 industry professionals came together to recognise and celebrate the standout brands and products of the year at the event hosted by Natural Products News, in association with the Soil Association.

Broadcaster, comedian and MasterChef finalist Hardeep Singh Kohli introduced the awards after declaring his own "20 years involvement in the organic movement" - and describing the all-organic dinner as "by the far the best and most sustainable food I've ever had at an awards ceremony".

He congratulated all the winners "for doing the fantastically important job of protecting the planet and its rich natural resources for our children and grandchildren".

The 2015 Natural & Organic Awards attracted a wealth of high calibre entrants from all across the UK, whilst this year's New Product Showcase awards, which were voted for by visitors to the show on Sunday 19 April, saw a record 325 entries.

"The Natural and Organic Awards grow in stature each year and the exceptional standard of entries for 2015 illustrates why they have become a real benchmark for excellence in the natural and organic community – and beyond," said Jim Manson, editor of Natural Products News.

The shortlisted finalists and winners of The Natural and Organic Awards 2015 are:

NATURAL PRODUCTS SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD

Winner: Wendy Atkinson, managing director, Modern Herbals

BEST NEW FOOD PRODUCT

Presented by: Lisa Bradley, managing director, Pegasus PR

Winner: Pulsin' Ltd, Mint Choc Chip Protein Snack

Finalist: AZ Agricola Marianna Sallemi, WolfPit – Ultra Premium EVOO

Finalist: Bounce Foods Ltd, Bounce Natural Energy Balls, Cacao Mint

BEST NEW SPECIAL DIET PRODUCT

Presented by: Emma Cockerill, director of sales & procurement, Holland & Barrett

Winner: Coyo, Coyo Cherry Coconut Milk Yoghurt

Finalist: Vdelicious, V DELICIOUS

Finalist: Koko Dairy Free, Koko Dairy Free Spread

BEST NEW DRINK PRODUCT

Winner: BodyMe Ltd, BodyMe Matcha Tea

Finalist: KMERA Ltd (Jools Drinks), Acerola JOOLS in Mango Green Tea

Finalist: Pukka Herbs Ltd, Womankind

BEST NEW HEALTH & NUTRITION PRODUCT

Presented by: Alan Martin, BonPom

Winner: Natures Aid Ltd, PRO-30 Max

Finalist: Pukka Herbs Ltd, Night Time

Finalist: Solgar Vitamins Ltd, Full-Spectrum Curcumin 185x

BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER

Presented by: Tim Westwell & Sebastian Pole, co-founders, Pukka Herbs

Winner: Amaranth, Stockport

Finalist : Wild Oats, Bristol

Finalist : Natures Corner, Newbury

BEST NEW ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCT

Presented by: Finn Cottle, trade development, Soil Association Certification

Winner: InSpiral Visionary Products, Kale-os – kale crisps

Finalist: Lovechock, Lovechock Rocks Almond/Cinnamon

Finalist: Planet Organic, Raw Chocolate Covered Goldenberries

NATURAL PRODUCTS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Winners: Tim Westwell & Sebastian Pole, co-founders, Pukka Herbs

Natural & Organic Products Europe, launched in 1997, is the UK's biggest trade show for the natural products, health food and organic sectors. Its 2015 edition, which closed on Monday, has been hailed as its most successful show ever. Total attendance figures are due to be released by the organiser Diversified Communications UK later this week.

The next edition of Natural & Organic Products Europe will take place on 17-18 April 2016 at ExCeL London. For more information, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk.