Asia-Pacific businesses win at 2024 Nourish Awards
Four Asia-Pacific-based small businesses have gained global recognition at the prestigious 2024 Nourish Awards, thanks to their innovative and healthy products. Solomons Gold, Red Shoots, Plant Based Studios, and Planet’s Pick secured top accolades, marking a significant milestone in the competitive UK market.
Solomons Gold, a premium chocolate brand from the Solomon Islands, earned three-star ratings in the Nourish Vegan Awards on top of the ‘Best Vegan Chocolate’ for its Dark Orange 70% Cacao, Dark Caramel 70% Cacao, and Dark Nib 75% Cacao. Sarah Frydman, owner of Solomons Gold, said: ‘Winning these awards is immensely important for us because it gives us a new level of recognition than we would otherwise have when we're talking to retail buyers and distributors.’
The brand has seen tremendous growth, with support from the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP) Programme helping to refine its product packaging and branding to better align with UK consumer preferences.
The Nourish Awards – the United Kingdom’s leading recognition for healthy food, beverages, and supplements – have set the standard for innovation and excellence in the industry.
Plant Based Studios, from Sri Lanka, won two-star awards for its Granola Bar and Coconut Jam. Owner Sahan Bakmiwewa said, ‘Winning two stars for two of our products at the Nourish Awards is a testament to say that our products are ready for the UK and Europe.’
Planet’s Pick, known for its innovative plant-based products, was awarded for its Young Jackfruit in BBQ Sauce and King Coconut Water. ‘Being recognized at Nourish awards which strive to make 'healthy; the mainstream, for two of our key products is both an honor and an inspiration,’ said manager of international sales Sandaru Kannangara. ‘It reaffirms our commitment to pushing the boundaries in our industry for healthy products, and we are excited for what lies ahead as we continue to pursue our vision of promoting, simple, natural and sustainable consumption habits.’
Red Shoots also shone at the Nourish Awards, winning three stars for its Immunity Shot Fiji Turmeric and two stars for its Blackcurrant and Fiji Ginger Immunity Shots.
Representative, Rhona MacKenzie highlighted how thrilled they were in winning three awards, stressing the programme’ role. ‘With ITC's assistance, on top of the Nourish Awards, we have also secured two Great Taste Awards she said. ‘These accolades are essential for our sales and marketing efforts, offering reassurance to both retailers and consumers that our products are recognized and validated by industry experts.’
Through the programme, these four Asia-Pacific businesses received targeted support in key areas like product branding, digital marketing, and retail readiness. The programme provided hands-on coaching in understanding UK market trends, consumer behavior, and regulatory requirements, enabling these businesses to showcase their products effectively at global trade fairs and food competitions.
Winning at the Nourish Awards boosts the visibility and credibility of these businesses in the United Kingdom. For Asia-Pacific companies, the awards underscore their commitment to sustainability and quality, opening doors to new opportunities in retail, hospitality, and catering. The programme has been instrumental in helping these businesses craft compelling stories that resonate with health-conscious consumers.
With the Nourish Awards, these businesses are well-positioned to scale operations and expand into new markets across the United Kingdom. The programme continues to support them in building capacity, enhancing market presence, and leveraging their award successes to secure long-term international growth.
About United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP)
UKTP is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. UKTP aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom and the European Union by maximizing the benefits of UK and EU Economic Partnership Agreements and the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
UKTP implements various trade promotion and capacity building activities around the world at different stages of the value chain. UKTP works in partnership with government agencies, private sector organisations, public sector institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and other local stakeholders.
