East Rutherford, N.J.-based Maitake Products received a U.S. patent in May for its anti-diabetic product extracted from maitake mushrooms.

Raw-material natural ingredient manufacturer Embria Health Sciences, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, contributed $20,000 in May to support Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Vitamin Angels' Initiative Operation 20/20. The initiative seeks to eradicate childhood blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency by 2020.

Denton, Texas-based Lily of the Desert announced the launch of its "Aloe U," an educational tool to train retailers on the benefits of aloe vera. The program is accessible under Business Partner at www.lilyofthedesert.com, and topics include digestive health, absorption support, immune support and skin care.

Vancouver, B.C.-based Terra Nostra Organic Chocolate received 10 awards for its 12 bars submitted at the International Taste & Quality Institute Superior Taste Awards 2007.

Los Angeles-based Organic Bouquet announced the purchase of the Organic Style trademark and brand from Rodale in May. The new company, Organic Style Ltd., will become an international eco-lifestyle company, offering flowers, gifts and other products across multiple categories.

Santa Barbara, Calif.-based beverage and supplements company New Sun Nutrition will donate 10 cents to the Lance Armstrong Foundation for every case sold of its FRS canned energy drink. LAF funds research and support for cancer patients.

La Grange, Ill.-based Cognis Nutrition & Health received the 2007 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for Brand Development Strategy Leadership in the conjugated linoleic acid market. The award was presented at the Vitafoods International Exhibition in Geneva in May.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXVIII/number 7/p.46