HFMA celebrates health food industry

As part of its recent AGM, the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) presented three industry figures with special awards to celebrate their achievements.

The Maurice Hanssen Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates someone who embodies all that is best about the health food industry and who has demonstrated dedication and commitment throughout their career.

The award was given to Vicky Mciver of Power Health for her continued efforts to support and promote the trade. Now spearheading the company started by her father, Mciver continues to drive Power Health forward and encourage innovation in producing quality products to support wellness.

The newly named Media Communicator Award (formerly the Journalist of the Year Award) reflects the fact that journalism and writing is now more than the printed word and extends to digital and online communications.

This year’s recipient was Jim Manson (above left), editor of Natural Newsdesk. Manson has had a long career in journalism, much of it spent in the natural products arena, and is a longtime supporter of the industry. Consistently among the first to break news to the trade and beyond, he never shies away from asking the difficult questions the industry needs to confront.

Finally, the inaugural Roger Lane Growth and Innovation Award was presented to The Cheeky Panda’s Julie Chen by Janet Groves, chair of Lanes Heath and daughter of the award’s namesake.

“I am delighted that we have this opportunity to celebrate individuals within our industry, and wish to congratulate all the winners and thank them for their commitment and dedication to their roles in the industry,” says HFMA director general Martin Last (above right).

“I would also like to extend my thanks to Janet Groves and the Lane family for their support in presenting the Roger Lane Growth and Innovation Award. I am sure this will go on to become a sought-after accolade.”

By Jane Wolfe, contributor