ANAHEIM, CA, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The organic community gathered Wednesday night at the Natural Products Expo West trade show in an inspiring and joyful celebration to honor the best of organic.
More than 600 attendees joined the first-ever and sold-out “Organic Oscars,” to celebrate the outstanding successes of individuals and businesses in communicating the benefits of organic, along with the work of groundbreaking organic researchers.
Hosted by The Organic Center and Organic Voices, “An Organic Night Out” showcased honorees in eight categories – all nominated and chosen by their peers. Award-winning actress, philanthropist and co-founder of the organic, next generation children’s nutrition company Once Upon a Farm, Jennifer Garner and organic visionary, advocate and co-founder of the world’s largest organic dairy company Stonyfield Farm, Gary Hirshberg emceed the awards ceremony.
“All of these organic leaders are so inspiring, and I’m honored to be part of this incredible celebration that recognizes the people and brands who are making the health of our families and planet their top priority,” said Jennifer Garner, event Co-Host and Co-Founder of Once Upon a Farm. “There is so much good work being done in organic, and events like this will help the industry grow. We want all families everywhere to be able to have the healthy choice of organic.”
“The organic community whole-heartedly congratulates these well-deserved winners of our ‘Organic Oscars.’ These honorees are truly organic game changers who are making a real difference in helping consumers understand the importance of choosing organic,” said Gary Hirshberg Co-Founder of Stonyfield Farm and Organic Voices and emcee of the awards ceremony.
Company of the Year – Organically Grown Company BB #:149476
This award recognizes the company which has done the most to advance interest, awareness, sales and support of certified organic products. The award went to Organically Grown Company, a company that has put organic front and center and has championed organic agriculture for almost 50 years.
Organically Grown Company (OGC) is the largest fresh produce wholesaler and distributor in the nation dedicated to organic. Founded in 1978 in Oregon, the mission of OGC from its start has been to grow the organic agriculture movement.
The company today works with more than 350 vendors, representing 1,000 organic farms. In 2018, it switched its ownership model to a purpose trust, which allows the company to reach beyond being just a produce company, and to be even greater advocates and stewards of the movement. In 2023, the company launched its “Organic is the Answer” campaign which provides science-supported facts and resources to help educate shoppers and retailers about organic.
“We’re thrilled and humbled to win this award. At Organically Grown Company, we’re not just playing by the rules; we’re rewriting them. From shaking up the status quo with our advocacy to spreading the organic message through our ‘Organic is the Answer’ campaign, we’re rebels with a cause,” shared Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company. “Our hearts are full of gratitude for everyone who is a part of the organic trade – especially our coworkers, growers, investors and community.”
About The Organic Center
The Organic Center’s mission is to convene credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental impacts of organic food and farming and to communicate the findings to the public. The Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.
About Organic Voices
Organic Voices is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help consumers better appreciate and eliminate confusion about all the benefits of Organic. It is dedicated to educating consumers about the significance of the USDA Organic seal, ROC certification, and GOTS certification through its Only Organic campaign. It creates compelling educational content tailored to inform and engage consumers, using multiple online channels to reach new audiences through large-scale consumer-facing campaigns. Partnering with brands, retailers, farmers, and consumers, Organic Voices strives to amplify the message of the benefits of organic and establish a unified voice throughout the organic industry.
Contact Data
Maggie McNeil
The Organic Center
(202) 403-8514
mmcneil@organic-center.org
