Established by NutraIngredients.com in association with Vitafoods Europe, the NutraIngredients Awards Startup Ingredient of the Year category recognises a company less than 4 years old that produces the most commercially viable, innovative and effective new ingredient, with the most potential to make a real difference to the health and nutrition industry.
After a rigorous judging process, a panel of industry experts awarded the prize to Qualitas Health for the vegetarian and sustainable omega-3 ingredient from non-GMO microalgae, Almega PL.
Qualitas Health received top honours as the winner of the NutraIngredients Startup Ingredient of the Year Award for its ingredient Almega PL.
The inaugural NutraIngredients Awards celebrated award winners in seven different categories at a special awards dinner held during the Vitafoods Europe conference.
'We are delighted to receive this award highlighting our commitment to excellence in scientific merit, efficacy and innovation,' said Yuri Shoshan, CEO of Qualitas Health. 'It demonstrates our ongoing success and rapid growth as we continually strive to develop unique solutions based on microalgae that are environmentally sustainable and significantly contribute to the overall health of individuals.'
The awards programme received a high number of qualified entries from companies vying for the recognition and distinction as the best ingredient, product and research innovators in the nutraceutical market. Other category winners and finalists include large, well-known companies such as DuPont, Chr. Hansen and Stratum Nutrition.
'The NutraIngredients Awards are judged by an independent panel that rewards true innovation and cutting edge research in healthy foods, supplements and nutrition,' said Shane Starling, Senior Editor, NutraIngredients. 'This year we had 129 entries in seven categories and next year we expect this to grow substantially.'
The combination of Vitafoods Europe and NutraIngredients brings together two of Europe’s leading events and media outlets, for the health and nutrition industry. For more details on the NutraIngredients Awards and a full list of winners, click here.