MEET THE WINNERS: Products of the Year

The NutraIngredients Awards 2018, in association with Vitafoods Europe 2018, recognise and celebrate the industry’s biggest commercial successes, best product development, and brightest research.

A celebration of all that is great in the nutrition and wellness industry, the awards honoured 11 very deserving winners in key industry categories - from ingredients and finished product innovation in large and small firms, to start-ups, and awards for innovation and cutting-edge research.

In this special focus, we look at the winners of our Products of the Year categories.

Botanical Product of the Year​ – Clear Skin by Vital20

Vital20’s Clear Skin is beauty supplement that contains lactoferrin and linseed to nourish the skin and reduce inflammation.

The firm believe the natural approach this product takes is more effective in tackling acne and pimples than products that contain synthetic chemicals, which may prove harmful to the skin.

“The award is a big thank you on behalf of all acne sufferers,” ​the firm said.

“The recognition will help people with acne become aware of solutions that they didn’t know exist. We strive to help as much acne sufferers as possible in reducing or getting rid of their acne.”

Vital20’s use of botanical extracts extend towards another flagship skincare product. Its PureSkin supplement is a blend of Chondroïtin-sulfate (fish), olea europea (olive) extract and acerola extract 25% (Vit. C).

It is said to aid in skin strengthening by boosting collagen formation, helping to protect against oxidative stress and maintain healthy cells and skin tissue and nourishes the skin.

“At Vital20 our mission is all to help people feel Healthy, Fit and energized. Help them to feel like they are 20 again.​

“We are fascinated by nature and the solutions it has for us. We focus on where nature meets science. Bringing people solutions that are scientifically proven.”​

Vital20’s award means they join firms such as ACTIV’INSIDE and Arla Food Ingredients as past ingredient winners in which innovative players in the global world of nutrition are recognised and rewarded.

“If there is one thing to say it’s that the Nutraingredient Awards is very professional. The process as a whole and the jury as well,”​ said Vitals20.

“This makes the Nutraingredient Awards the true go for award in the industry.”​

Omega-3 Product of the Year​ – Huile de krill Excellium by Groupe Ponroy Santé / Aker BioMarine

This hotly contested category was won by Huile de krill Excellium produced in a joint venture between Groupe Ponroy Santé and Aker BioMarine.

Speaking about the win at the Awards dinner hosted at Vitafoods, Ponroy Santé Group spoke of the “lasting partnership”​ between the two firms adding that the award celebrates “celebrates a strong environmental commitment”.​

“Winning this award recognises the unique benefits of krill oil and roots its presence firmly in the premium omega-3 product category,”​ they added.

As the name suggests, Huile de krill Excellium is derived from krill shrimp. Oil extracted from this organism naturally contains choline, omega 3 and astaxanthin, a carotenoid of natural origin that gives it its bright colour. 

The benefits of Omega 3 oils, in particular eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic (EPA and DHA) acid have long been known with benefits to normal heart function identified.

Their action is supported by choline, which contributes to the normal metabolism of homocysteine and the maintenance of liver function.

“We hope to attract a majority of customers and convert them to krill oil omega-3s as they have many scientifically documented health benefits to take advantage of,”​ the firm added.

“We already started to strengthen our print and web communication and affix the logo on all media. This award will definitely improve the visibility of our product and we are proud to offer Huile de Krill Excellium in our excellence range.”​

A company boasting forty years of experience in the nutrition industry, the Ponroy Santé Group’s approach aims to restore physiological balances using natural ingredients.

“We’ve been very aware of the health benefits of phospholipids,”​ they explained. “We therefore partnered with Aker BioMarine and decided to launch a powerful, sustainable and better utilised omega-3 on the market.”​

Commenting on the award, Matts Johansen at Aker BioMarine said, “To have a product, which is manufactured with our krill oil, recognized by NutraIngredients as the very best of an incredibly impressive bunch is frankly unbelievable.​

“Our partners Laboratoires Yves Ponroy do an absolutely phenomenal job packaging, marketing and delivering the product to a health-conscious and demanding customer base.” ​

Probiotic Product of the Year​ – Enterozyn by Bluestone Pharma

Bluestone Pharma’s Enterozyn took home the coveted Probiotic Product of the Year. The Swiss-based company, which offered its probiotic solution for gluten sensitivity for the judges’ consideration, ticked all the boxes when it came to the award criteria.

This included a strong brand recognition and commercial success that included evidence of strong retail and consumer interest or listings of your product.

Other judging parameters focused on consumer demand and interest in the product’s format, delivery system, and/or matrix – including how innovative the delivery system is.

One important consideration for the judges included whether Enterozyn met the consumer demand, and how relevant the probiotic ingredient was in meeting this demand.