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.