Naturally Boulder honors natural brands and leaders at its Annual Awards

Six standout organizations, leaders and companies that contribute to Colorado’s more than $2 billion natural products industry were honored at Naturally Boulder’s Annual Awards on Nov. 16. Brands recognized included Meati, which secured $150 million in Series C Funding this summer, to The Good Crisp Company, which challenges the traditional idea of savory canister snacks. New award categories this year included Emerging Brand of the Year, Brand of the Year, Service Provider of the Year and the Lance Gentry Award to honor the spirit of the former Justin’s executive. 

Winning brands

Brand of the Year: The Good Crisp Company

“Not only is The Good Crisp Company growing exponentially, they are doing so with a conscience, which is a key reason they are our Brand of the Year. In addition to being in 20,000 stores, they are avid supporters of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, donating a portion of all online sales to the nonprofit, as well as developing initiatives to help kids read,” Babu added.

Emerging Brand of the Year: Byte Bars

“It is rare to see anyone hustle as hard as Byte Bar Founders Casey and Sabina,” said Naturally Boulder Board Member Rajesh Babu. “Everywhere I go, every possible opportunity, I see them handling out bars, talking about their product and engaging at networking events. They are more than deserving of the traction they’re receiving.”

Natural leaders 

Industry Leader of the Year: Senior Vice President and Market Leader at New Hope Network Carlotta Mast

Service Provider of the Year: SRW Agency

Conscious Business Catalyst Award: This award (previously called Climate Catalyst Award) was awarded to the collective of Marshall Fire Responders–those who went above and beyond to support the community after the tragic fire in December 2021. Special recognition was given to Basecamp Collective, the Big Red F restaurant group, Blackbelly Market, Conscious Alliance, Danone North America, Fortnight Collective, Andy Clark of Moxie Bread, Yasso and all the supporting brands and Naturally Boulder community members who contributed to this effort. 

Lance Gentry Award: Cappello's Founder Stacey Marcellus

“This is a special award for this organization, in honor of Lance Gentry, and Stacey embodies many attributes that Lance championed throughout his career and lifetime,” said Naturally Boulder Board Member and Weller Co-Founder John Simmons. “Stacey is creative and curious in a way that attracts others to do the same. Stacey has led Cappello’s to embrace new regenerative business practices and rethink systems in ways that are not only contagious, but empowering. Stacey shows up for her community, as an example for all of us to follow.”

During the event, longtime sustainability advocate and Applied Ecological Institute Director Tina Owens and Capsalis conducted a fireside chat on “How to nurture a global citizenship mindset,” while New Hope Network Senior Editor and Food and Beverage Insider Content Directo Todd Runestad served as emcee. 

Naturally Boulder was established in 2005 to nurture and promote organic and natural products businesses to be a powerful force for positive change. The organization has since grown to include chapters in Austin, Bay Area, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York, North Bay and San Diego. 

Source: Root Marketing & PR