And the winners are... Find out which Kiwi firms took top honours at the NHNPZ awards

NHPNZ's Corporate Affairs Director Alison Quesnel said it was great to see some smaller, newer companies coming to the fore in this year's awards.

"In typical Kiwi 'can-do' style, a number of this year's winners overcame significant hurdles and budget challenges to achieve success.​

"Whether they are small or large companies, well-established or a young business, all our winners' successes are a testament to the vibrant, innovative nature of New Zealand's natural health products sector."​

The award winners were:

Supreme Award + FernMark Licence Programme Growth Award + Runner-up in Cawthron Institute Innovation Award:​  ​Quantec Ltd​

Hamilton-based Quantec specialises in high-value bio-actives from natural products, which are developed into proprietary ingredient formulations for use in finished product applications such as human health and animal health.

One such bioactive is a novel milk fraction, comprised of native immune defence proteins that can be used in a variety of applications such as foods, supplements, personal care, cosmetics and animal health remedies.

Award judges said they were inspired by how a little New Zealand company took on such a global challenge, becoming a stand-out success for both innovation and growth.

Announcing Quantec as the Supreme Winner, Quesnel said: "Quantec is a fine example of what this industry is all about.  An exciting future lies ahead for Quantec and I look forward to seeing their ongoing evolution and success."​

James & Wells Marketing Award (over $2m):​​ Nutra-life​

This award recognises a company that has achieved exceptional results from the implementation of an outstanding marketing campaign.

The win was in relation to a highly successful marketing campaign to build awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and to encourage people to take action to maintain a healthy heart by communicating the natural health benefits of Nutra-Life Kyolic Aged Garlic.

Judges said the project was a standout marketing campaign that was an excellent example of leveraging new research on an established product.

James & Wells Marketing Award (under $2m):​​ Anagenix Ltd​

This award recognises a company that has achieved exceptional results from the implementation of an outstanding marketing campaign.

Anagenix was established in 2011 to provide a commercialisation link between ground-breaking New Zealand plant science and the world's best supplement producers. Since then, they have developed a portfolio of products that are sold through distribution networks in the USA, Canada, Australia, Asia and Europe. 

Their award win was for a decision to re-position an asthma support product after identifying a gap in the Chinese market for a lung support product, Berri Qi, for consumers worried about the effect of poor air quality on their lung health. This involved re-positioning a product originally targeted at asthma sufferers for the general Chinese consumer market.

Judges said Anagenix created a lot with a small budget, achieving outstanding results.

Highly Commended:​ Biobalance​

BioBalance is a small, family-owned company that produces a range of high-quality, cruelty-free, ethically sourced, mainly plant-based vegetarian and natural health products for local and international markets. The Collingwood-based company impressed judges with its response to significant marketing challenges associated with its Liposomal range of products.

Judges commented on BioBalance's impressive return on what was a small investment in marketing, and its great creative execution and effective use of social media.

Cawthron Institute Innovation Award:​  ​Maraeroa C Inc.​

This award recognises outstanding innovation demonstrated in any facet of business.

Te Kuiti-based Maraeroa C Incorporation is a Maori Land Incorporation comprising 5,500ha of forestry lands in the Pureora region of the Central North Island. Maraeroa C diversified its business in 2006 and now operates Pa Harakeke (an adventure tourism business).

It also grows ginseng in wild and natural conditions as an under-story crop to the pine trees, produces and markets ginseng products under the Pure-ora Mountain Ginseng brand, and produces honey from beehives sited on its lands, It is currently trialling other Chinese herbal crops to develop new products.

Maraeroa C met and overcame a number of challenges associated with growing high-quality ginseng that would meet the requirements of the discerning Chinese market, and lead to market acceptance of New Zealand-grown ginseng as being genuine and of good quality.

Award judges said Maraeroa C was a great story of continuous innovation and problem solving — a true credit to the vision and persistence of the business to keep overcoming hurdles and paving the way for a new industry in New Zealand.

Entries are now open for the first ever NutraIngredients-Asia awards. Ensure your firm, product or research gets the recognition it deserves by entering today. Find out more here​.​