Natural Health Industry Awards its Leaders

The leaders of the natural products industry were recognised tonight at the 10th Natural Products Summit in Nelson.

The annual awards, held by Natural Products New Zealand and sponsored by, James & Wells Intellectual Property and the Cawthron Institute, acknowledge individuals and companies who have made a significant contribution to the industry.

Natural Products New Zealand executive director, Michelle Palmer, said despite the ongoing challenges with the New Zealand and international economies the natural products industry in New Zealand continues to thrive.

“The industry has undergone much change and growth in the past few years even in the face of a global economic crisis and is now a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy with export earnings of an estimated NZ$1billion annually.

“Greater than NZ’s organics and biotechnology sectors combined, the NZ natural products/bioactives industry is now even larger than the NZ wool industry,” says Mrs Palmer.

“The Awards recognise just some of the outstanding achievements reached through determination and innovation.”

Easiyo Products Ltd, the biggest home-made yoghurt brand in the world, won the Natural Products New Zealand Exporter of the Year award. Currently 75% of the company’s products are exported to Australia, the USA, the United Kingdom and most recently, Italy. Despite increased milk powder prices and currency devaluation EasiYo has seen an export growth of 3% in NZ dollars and 19% in GB Pounds over the last year which is attributed to a significant expansion of the Foodservice Division, supported by brand investment.

This year’s James & Wells Intellectual Property Excellence in Marketing Award winner was M J Health Ltd for its Dr Wendy’s skincare range, New Zealand’s only completely plant based natural skin care product. For a minimal investment, MJ Health achieved significant growth (20%) in sales based on an intensive social media marketing campaign. MJ Health’s owner, Dr Wendy Maddocks-Jennings says that from a small business perspective using tools such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs has enabled the company to reach into their key markets – UK, Hong Kong and Malaysia – to access more customers than they would not have otherwise connected with.

The Cawthron Innovation in Science & Technology Award went to Seperex Nutritionals Ltd for the research and development innovations for two bioactive marine extracts, BioLex® and BioLex-Plus®.

Two proprietary manufacturing processes were developed to extract high levels of an anti-inflammatory/analgesic marine oil from New Zealand green lipped mussels which can be used for joint mobility and pain management as well as alleviating the symptoms of eczema and dermatitis.

Seperex Nutritionals developed methods to separate and concentrate bioactive lipid amides while maintaining bioactivity. The company tested their methods in pilot scale and successfully scaled up production to commercial scale.

Two awards were presented to individuals Christine Acres and Phil Rasmussen who were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the New Zealand natural products industry.

Christine Acres, who is currently operations manager at SeaDragon Marine Oils, has worked in various capacities in the sector including technical, production, operations, laboratory, quality and compliance. She has lent her support to the industry through serving on the Natural Products New Zealand Board and various organisational committees over several years, contributing many hours of personal time for the benefit of the NZ industry.

Medical herbalist, Phil Rasmussen is managing director of Phytomed Medicinal Herbs which produces premium herbal medicines for qualified health practitioners. Phil is dedicated to increasing the amount of raw materials used by New Zealand manufacturers and has supported local growers, wild-harvesters and farmers to grow the body of primary producers who supply the natural products industry.

As a committee member for the NZ Association of Medical Herbalists, Phil has spent many years committed to assisting the development of the industry.

The Industry Awards capped off the tenth annual NZ Natural Products Summit which was formally opened by the Minister of Trade, Hon Tim Groser, and was attended by natural health specialists, research organisations, government agencies, big and small manufacturers and marketers including brand leaders like Healtheries, Comvita, Red Seal, Blackmores, Manuka Health, and.Lifestream International.

Awards Winners’ Summary:

Natural Products New Zealand Exporter of the Year Award : Easiyo Products Ltd

James & Wells Intellectual Property Excellence in Marketing Award : M J Health Ltd

The Cawthron Innovation in Science & Technology Award : Seperex Nutritionals Ltd

Outstanding contribution to the New Zealand natural products industry : Christine Acres and Phil Rasmussen

To learn more about the New Zealand natural products industry visit http://www.naturalproductsnz.org/