The Organic Center and Organic Voices are hosting the 2024 Organic Gala at Natural Products Expo West on March 13 in Anaheim, Calif.
The organic sector’s premier event at the trade show, the theme of the celebration is “An Organic Night Out: Honoring the Year’s Best in Organic,” and will recognize the outstanding work of a group of individuals, brands and businesses in communicating the benefits of organic to consumers according to a news release.
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, will emcee the awards ceremony, the release said.
Bringing together hundreds of organic visionaries, activists and businesses, the occasion is the single biggest fundraising event for The Organic Center and Organic Voices, both nonprofit organizations that work on important research, education and communication with the organic industry and with consumers, the release said.
The evening will feature an interactive science fair demonstrating the latest research being conducted by The Organic Center and other scientists and enable attendees to witness the meaningful impact organic practices have on crop production, soil health, food safety, climate, and sustainability, according to the release.
For the first time, individuals, associations, companies and brands who have shown outstanding success in elevating the awareness, understanding and consumption of organic to new organic consumers will be recognized, the release said.
Awards will be given in eight categories: Best New Organic Food/Beverage Product; Best New Organic Non-food Product; Best Organic Messaging: Better for the Planet, People or Animals; Best Organic PR or Social Media Activation; Best Retailer Organic Activation; Most Impactful Organic Research Result or Finding; Emerging Organic Entrepreneur of the Year and Organic Company of the Year. Companies can apply for the awards online.
“Celebrating organic leaders and brands is the best idea!” co-host and Once Upon a Farm co-founder Garner said in the release. “I cannot wait to gather, to recognize and cheer for each other and to be inspired by the work and the triumphs behind people and brands who put health of families and planet first. This event will highlight all the good work being done in organic and, I hope, expand the industry to reach even more people.”
“To grow the organic industry and its positive impact on people and the planet, shoppers must understand the value of organic and the benefits that come with purchasing products carrying the USDA Organic seal. We are thrilled that this year’s event is recognizing the impact of these organic champions,” Amber Sciligo, director of science programs for The Organic Center, said in the release. “The celebration of these incredible organic stakeholders combined with the spotlight that this puts on the latest organic research promises to make our upcoming gala a meaningful and unforgettable evening.”
