The winners of the first-ever Nutraceutical Business & Technology Awards (NBTA) were announced on 11th May 2011, at the Starling Geneva Hotel and Conference Centre. This five-star venue was a fitting environment for the attendees, sponsors and industry professionals to network, enjoy a splendid dinner and celebrate new and significant developments in the functional food and drink sector, and reward successful companies for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

NBT Awards organiser Christopher Watt, Via Connect, said: "Despite being a launch event, the extraordinary turnout of senior executives from the nutraceutical and wider business communities, coupled with the high volume and quality of submissions received, has placed the NBT Awards firmly on the map as a key industry event. Those involved in the nutraceutical sector have waited too long for the recognition of their hard work and groundbreaking projects, but this wait is now over: a new benchmark has been set."

“As Event Director,” said Miranda Docherty, “I am absolutely delighted with the overall success of its launch at Vitafoods Europe 2011. With more than 250 industry professionals in attendance, an impressive list of finalists and award winners, it was hard to believe that this event was the first of its kind. It certainly proved to be a celebration of food innovation and a very enjoyable evening was had by all."

Dr Kevin Robinson, head of the NBTA judging panel and Via Media UK Ltd’s Editorial Director commented: “As chair of the judging panel, I was delighted with the number and quality of the submissions. The reaction and buy-in from the industry has been impressive and, for a launch event, was far beyond our expectations. This has been a great start for what I sincerely hope will become an established must-attend event. The calibre of the nominations, the credibility that the judging procedure brings and the rigorous process of assessing the submissions that we put in place have all contributed to the event's overall success."

The organizers would like to extend their sincere thanks to the 32 sponsors, who supported this year’s event, and single out headline sponsor Naturex, primary sponsors Ingredia Nutritional and Biotivia, champagne reception sponsor Cognis, and Ocean Nutrition Canada for sponsoring the gala dinner. We are extremely grateful for their involvement and endorsement.

As regulation, competition and demands for innovation continue to increase, the event offers companies the opportunity to showcase more efficient operations and innovative products. This trend, coupled with the extraordinary submissions received this year, paves the way for an outstanding NBTA 2012, on 23 May.