One of the most anticipated highlights of Natural & Organic Product Expo (NOPEX) is the prestigious Natural & Organic Innovation Awards, where the best and brightest in the natural & organic sector are honoured for their outstanding contributions and best innovations. These awards not only recognise exemplary products but also underscore the industry’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing the ethos of organic and natural living. Voted by visitors to the show and a range of industry experts, the awards help to reward NOPEX exhibitors across a range of categories.
On Sunday 14th April the food and health categories were announced, starting with the Lifetime Achievement Award which was awarded to Cheryl Thallon, Viridian Nutrition founder, in recognition of her over 40 years of commitment and dedication to the natural & organic industry. Thallon was presented the award by Martin Last, director general of the Health Food Manufacturing Association.
The finalists and winners were:
Lifetime Achievement Award – Cheryl Thallon, Viridian Nutrition
Best New Food Product
Shortlisted
- Organic Aubergine Pesto, Biona Organic
- Masgao Sorghum Superfood Porridge, Masago Porridge
Winner: Kallo Mixed Seeds Veggie Thins, Ecotone UK
Best New Organic Food Product
Shortlisted
- Organic Shichimi Togarashi – Seven Spice Blend, Clearspring
- Raw Organic LIFEBAR InChoco, LIFEFOOD
Winner: Scottish Chocolate Bars, Chocolate Tree
Best New Special Diet Product
Shortlisted
- Brain Food Rice Bars, Brain Foods
- Frutme Organic Fruit Bites, ARLINA FOOD FRUTME
Winner: The Original – Deliciously sweet baked cereal powered by tiger nuts, SUPERKEEN
Best New Vegan Food Product
Shortlisted
- Orange & Hazelnut Protein Bar, RAWMYGOD
- Quirky Monkey Choc O Shroom, Quirky Monkey
Winner: Suma Vegan Chick’n Soup, Suma Wholefoods
Best New Drink Product
Shortlisted
- Jenji Pure Boba Tea, Dundeis
- Qi Teas Wellbeing Tea, Pravera Ltd
Winner: Living Soda Lemon Lime, FHIRST
Best New Organic Drink Product
Shortlisted
- Lion’s Mane Coffee, RåHygge
- Suma Peach and Turmeric Kombucha, Suma Wholefoods
Winner: REFIX, REFIX Seawater Hydration
Best New Supplement
Shortlisted
- Organic Heart, SOULEL / NUTRIVORE
- Royal Lactolmun, SC Hypericum Impex SRL
Winner: Collagen Pro Factors, Viridian
Best New Herbal Product
Shortlisted
- Bristol Fungarium Organic Cordyceps Tincture, Bristol Fungarium
- Organic Lion’s Mane, Viridian
Winner: Shilajit Extract with Organic Ashwagandha, AYURVEDIQ
Best New Speciality Health Product
Shortlisted
- Homocysteine Support Complex, Viridian
- MacuDopa Night Capsules (slow-release), MacuDopa
Winner: Re-mineralising Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste, Dimples Oral Care
Best New Fitness Product
Shortlisted
- Chocolate Sea Salt Natural Protein Bar, All Real Nutrition
- MCT Oil Sachets, Natures Aid Ltd
Winner: Shape SLIM Collagen Boost, SUNWARRIOR
Best New Eco Living Product
Shortlisted
- Lomi – the World’s first Smart Waste appliance! 2tech Ltd
- Natracare pads and pantyliners, Bodywise (UK) Ltd
Winner: 2.8Lt / 12-cup Ready-Read Water Filter Jug, ZeroWater
Best Independent Retailer – Wild Oats
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On Monday 25th April the awards continued, as presenter Janey Lee Grace and NOPEX Event Manager Georgina Baker addressed an enthusiastic crowd to welcome each beauty category winner to the Beauty Stage. The awards started with the Outstanding Contribution Award, where Jayn Sterland, Managing Director of Weleda, delivered a passionate and heartfelt speech about her long time friend, colleague and recipient of the award, Millie Kendall O.B.E, CEO of the British Beauty Council, which was awarded for her longstanding commitment to the hair and beauty industry over the past 30 years.
The finalists and winners were:
Outstanding Contribution Award – Millie Kendall O.B.E
Best New Mother & Baby Product – Mini Drops Bed Time, Nature’s Aid
Best New Make Up Product – Benecos Lovely Lavender Nail Polish, Pravera Ltd
Best New Male Grooming Product
Shortlisted
- Dr Squatch, Dr Squatch
Winner: BAZ & CO
Best New Organic Beauty Product
Shortlisted
- NAVEEN Bakuchiol Age-Defying Wonder Oil, Evergoods Global Co, Ltd
Winner: Odylique Natural Foundation, Odylique
Best New Bodycare Product
Shortlisted
- Anti-Cellulite Gel, BEE&YOU
- Magic Sun Oil SPF15, Sol de Ibiza
Winner: Deep Hydrating Hand Therapy, ROOAR – Brilliant In.Ltd
Best New Facial Skincare
Shortlisted
- AIMX Hydrate Me, Aimx / Glofix
- Anti-ageing Eye Contour Cream, BEE&YOU
Winner: Leaf CBD Enriched Face Cream, LEAF
Best New Haircare Product
Shortlisted
- Hidden Waterfall Shampoo and Conditioner Bar with Bamboo Holder, Viori Beauty
- Miracle Curl Cream, Moo & Yoo
Winner: Tisserand Rosemary Hair Oil, Cress UK – Tisserand
Best New Personal Care Product
Shortlisted
- Clary Sage Refillable Roll On Deodorant, Salt of the Earth
- Magic Sun Oil SPF15, Sol de Ibiza
Winner: Organic Castor Oil with Rose Quartz Roller, Queen of the Thrones
Best New Vegan Beauty Product
Shortlisted
- Glofix Skin Boost, Aimx/Glofix
- Pure Source Collagen SPi4 Complex Serum & Gummies Duo, Beauty Kitchen
Winner: Spiced Gingerbread Natural Deodorant Spray, Salt of the Earth
To find out more about individual products, visit the Innovation Awards Showcase.
