The 14 awards were announced during a party hosted at the nightclub Cercle des Bains, giving members of the industry a chance to connect and unwind after a busy second day at Vitafoods.
"We had a fantastic night celebrating 10 years of awards and celebrating some of the brightest stars in our industry," said Nikki Hancocks, editor of NutraIngredients.com. "Winning an NI Award sets your company apart from the competition. It is a great way for companies and people to showcase their hard work and achievements within the industry.
"A huge congratulations to all our finalists and winners—this is a huge triumph in an extremely competitive space."
Our finalists and winners are:
Editors Award For Sustainability Initiative of the Year
- World's first high-dose Omega-3 gummies made with MSC-certified Norwegian cod oil - Arctic Blue Omega
- WINNER: Go Zero - Finzelberg
- Inavea Caring by Nature - Nexira
Judges said: This initiative has proven itself to be working towards meeting several SDGs in a significant way. The work includes the involvement of Finzelberg, MartinBauer, Europlant Group and PhytoLab, all connecting competencies. A switch to green electricity reduced CO2e emissions by 3,500 tons each year and a new extraction facility is responsible for almost 40% of production capacity. The complex has reduced energy requirements by 14,000 MWh, adding up to a reduction of 3,100 tons of CO2e emissions. A new biomass heating plant will allow the generation of heat from renewable energies from 2024, to provide up to 80% of the thermal energy for extract production and building heating, and will generate 80 kWh of green electricity.
Ingredient of the Year: Beauty from Within
- Zeropollution - Monteloeder by Suannutra
- Ceramosides - Seppic
- WINNER: ProBeautyShield - SynBalance
Judges said: This was a well-presented case which scored highly against all judging criteria. An interesting combination of three strains of bacteria with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. It's backed by three clinical trials published in excellent journals, to back its anti-acne and anti-inflammatory effects and describing the mechanism of action. It also has a strong relevance to the market with clear consumer demand and strong commercial success.
Ingredient of the Year: Cognitive Function
- Rednite - Enovate Biolife
- WINNER: Relissa - Indena
- Melotime - Nutriventia
Judges said: Overcoming the negative factors associated with stress and sleep is such an essential part of effective cognitive function. The ingredients Relissa selected to achieve this are supported with the right data to provide consumers with confidence. Relissa has brought innovation within a space of high competition.
Ingredient of the Year: Healthy Aging
- FenuSmart - Akay Bioactives
- WINNER: Niagen - Chromadex
- Solugel - PB Leiner
Judges said: Niagen was chosen as a winner in the healthy aging category for its high-quality, unparalleled research. Its impact on cellular health and longevity is shown in reputable studies and is an applicable ingredient for the Millennial, Generation X and Baby Boomer generations.
Ingredient of the Year: Microbiome Modulation
- Totipro Postbiotics PE0301 - Glac Biotech
- Immuse - Kyowa Hakko Europe
- WINNER: Femme - SynBalance
Judges said: Femme is the winner because of its clear and precise market positioning and its continuous, ongoing drive to enhance the body of scientific evidence supporting the product’s claims.
Ingredient of the Year: Sports Nutrition
- AstaReal Astaxanthin - AstaReal
- WINNER: TetraSOD - Fitoplancton Marino
- PeptEndure - Gelita
Judges said: This application showed strong commercial success and scientific backing. The studies were published in reputable journals and utilized excellent methodologies, tools and data interpretation. The science links this ingredient to a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammation, memory, immune protection and weight management.
Innovations in Women's Health Award
- WINNER: Bonolive - BioActor
- IFF Menopause supplement formulations - Frutarom
- Pervistop - Lo.Li. Pharma International
Judges said: Bonolive is an FDA-approved olive oil extract for women's health. Researched and developed by a team of well-known women scientists, its formulation has been proven effective in multiple clinical trials. Recent clinical results, published in 2022, from a study conducted in collaboration with Nestlé Health Science, demonstrate Bonolive's efficacy in relieving joint pain and enhancing mobility in mid-aged women and men with knee pain. Furthermore, a new consumer study conducted in 2023 with post-menopausal women showcased the benefits of Bonolive in alleviating menopause-related symptoms. An estrogen-free, natural solution, Bonolive offers an alternative to hormonal therapies. With these latest trials, its high bioavailability and convenient format, Bonolive exemplifies excellence in addressing women's health needs, making it a deserving candidate for this award.
Nutrition Research Project
- WINNER: The Effect of Oral Citicoline and Docosahexaenoic Acid on the Visual Field of Patients with Glaucoma - BrudyLab
- ChromaDex External Research Program (CERP) Uncovers the Full Potential of NAD+ for Healthy Aging - Chromadex
- The probiotic strain, LpHEAL9, as a potential psychobiotic to improve cognition, mood, and sleep in healthy individuals - Probi
Judges said: Brudylab's research has delved into an interesting area that really stood out in terms of the 'X-factor', as this health area has not been investigated to a great extent. The study found that oral intakes of citicoline and decosahexaenoic acid signficantly improved the visual field of patients with glaucoma, which was a very impressive outcome. The study also had a very strong methodology, using a randomied controlled trial with the inclusion of a strong sample.
Product of the Year: Botanical
- Calocurb - Calocurb
- Serene Sleep - Life Extension
- WINNER: Sophy - PharmExtracta
Judges said: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects millions of women worldwide and requires comprehensive understanding and tailored treatment approaches, and for the judges, Sophy had the ‘X-factor’ in serving this often overlooked condition. The research submitted was thorough, conducted on the finished product, and showed real results in women diagnosed with PCOS.
Product of the Year: Immune Support
- Inostime Infant Milk - Health and Happiness Group
- WINNER: Mushroom Immune with Beta Glucans - Life Extension
Judges said: Mushroom Immune had clear and strong evidence collated from high standard randomized controlled trials to support the benefits of the supplement for immune health. The product also met current consumer trends for mushrooms within a convenient format. Life Extension also clearly explained the strong commercial interest and opportunities for the product within the market.
Product of the Year: Microbiome Modulation
- WINNER: Crispact - PharmExtracta
- Floré GI SereniT - Sun Genomics
- Gut Support with Stress Management - The Akkermansia Company
Judges said: Crispact stands out for its clinically demonstrated potential to restore the vaginal microbiome, notably under the conditions of persistent HPV infections and bacterial vaginosis. Crispact has also provided first indication that it may promote pregnancy in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This innovative oral probiotic with a vaginal probiotic bacterium extends the range of solutions for women’s health.
Product of the Year: Sports Nutrition
- WINNER: Testosterone Elite - Life Extension
- Ringana Sport Protein - Ringana
- ESN Daily - The Quality Group
Judges said: Testosterone Elite is an innovative formula using natural, plant-based ingredients which should appeal to current market trends. The product is developed using solid, science-backed ingredients and targets a niche market of consumers in need.
Start-Up Award
- BioKuris
- WINNER: Maolac
- TravelSana
Judges said: Maolac is developing a very interesting concept which could be a real game changer—developing proteins from breast milk with specific health benefits, specifically inflammation and gut health. The judges were impressed that this company had its own human data to back its finished products, rather than relying on third-party data.
NutraChamp
Winner: Luca Bucchini
Chair of the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) and Managing Director of Hylobates Consulting and with more than 20 years experience in the sector, Bucchini is a thought leader in sports and active nutrition as well as in food supplements. He provides key insights on a variety of legislative developments impacting the sports and active nutrition sector, ensuring those across the industry are in the know and on the right side of the regulation. Within his roles at ESSNA and Hylobates, he works to help secure appropriate and proportionate legislation, tackle non-compliance and enhance consumer health and safety. He has taken part in workshops organied by Europol to raise awareness on issues of non-compliance in the industry and serious cases of consumer harm. By participating in several research projects funded by the European Commission, Bucchini helped manage the PlantLIBRA project on plant food supplement, which helped start the Belfrit initiative on botanicals.
Want to be involved in the next round? The NutraIngredients-Asia Awards are now open for entries—with an application deadline of June 14, 2024.
