Holland & Barrett names its ‘Innovation Pitch’ shortlist

Leading health and wellness retailer, Holland & Barrett, have selected the exhibitors who will have the exclusive opportunity to present at its first ever Innovation Pitch session at this year’s Natural Products Scandinavia, which returns to MalmöMässan, Sweden on 14-15 November.

The seven exhibitors who have made the shortlist, including Creative Nature, Ginger Diamonds, Miraz Organic, True Gum, Puori and nucao & nupro and UpCircle, will compete for the chance to win a desirable listing with Holland & Barrett Sweden.

Each exhibitor will take to the stage at the Natural Products Talk Theatre (from 1.45pm on Thursday 15November) to deliver their ‘live innovation pitch’ to a line-up of H&B judges. With just five minutes to make an impression, every second counts.

The judging panel will be made up of Holland & Barrett Sweden’s senior buying team, including CEO Rikard Furusten and Sunniva Åhlstad, category manager. Exhibitors will also be looking to impress a theatre audience full of visiting buyers and retailers with their pitches, as their votes may help swing the judges’ decision.

“I’m looking forward to finding and exploring new, innovative and interesting products that can help people to easily choose a healthier lifestyle; preferably products that are unique in our field,” says category manager Sunniva Åhlstad.

She continues, “Natural Products Scandinavia is a great place to explore trends, meet colleagues in the business and create beneficial networks for Holland & Barrett.”

The ‘Innovation Pitch LIVE to Holland & Barrett’ shortlist is as follows:

- Creative Nature (product: Top-14 Allergen-Free, Organic Wholegrain Banana Bread Mix)
- Ginger Diamonds (product: Ginger Diamonds)
- Miraz Organic (product: P'URE Papayacare)
- True Gum (product: True Gum, 100% natural chewing gum)
- Puori (product: 5-A-Day Organic Skin Nutrition)
- Nucao & nupro (product: nupro protein shake)
- UpCircle (products: UpCircle skincare range)

The Innovation Pitch Live with Holland & Barrett is one of the most popular theatre sessions at Natural & Organic Products Europe show, which takes place annually in London. Due to its ongoing success, the format is being replicated at Natural Products Scandinavia and the Nordic Organic Food Fair – the Nordic region’s biggest trade shows for natural and organic – where it is expected to draw similar crowds to its UK counterpart.