NutraIngredients Awards 2022: Pharmako in the mix for sports nutrition accolade

Pharmako Biotechnologies is one such applicant. Since winning the 2018 Start-up Award, the firm has gone from strength-to-strength, using the award win as a platform to build on the firm’s growth in the nutraceutical sector.

In May, the NutraIngredients Awards once again hosts the best of industry, where Pharmako is up for this year’s Ingredient of the Year: Sports Nutrition Award.

NutraIngredients caught up with the Australia-based firm and its Co-Founder and Commercial Director Eric Meppem.

Thanks for chatting with us Eric. Could you tell me the reasons for entering this category?​

Eric Meppem (EM): “Pharmako and our partners Gencor Pacific have invested in several clinical studies which have recently been published. ​

“These all demonstrate the benefits of HydroCurc for Sports Nutrition consumers.  In the last twelve months, there has also been a large number of European and British brands launching products featuring HydroCurc.  ​

“Clinically proven, HydroCurc provides unique benefits to a range of consumers - from elite athletes to regular active lifestyle people, including e-sports, relief from: joint pain, muscle pain/inflammation, improved recovery and enhanced performance.​

“Entering helps raise awareness of all this activity associated with HydroCurc.” ​

What do you think will be any positives should you win this category this year? (i.e. research direction or business emphasis?)​

EM: “Winning prestigious industry awards such as the NutraIngredients Awards validates both Pharmako’s markeing of HydroCurc as a Sports Nutrition ingredient and also the marketing of the brand companies including HydroCurc in formulations.​

“Nearly all our customers aroud the world use the HydroCurc Trade Mark under license from Pharmako. ​

“Winning validates their choice to use HydoCurc and it also helps raise awareness of the benefits of HydroCurc with consumers, and the broader sports nutrition market. ​

HydroCurc is already being used by elite international athletes in various sports including cricket, rugby, hockey, cycling and football. ​

“Winning the NutraIngredients Award for Ingredient of the Year: Sports Nutrition would potentially lead to further use by elite and everyday athletes.” ​

As a previous winner of a NutraIngredients Award, do you think the win has resulted in more recognition at industry events and/or further opportunities to speak/present for Pharmako Biotechnologies?​

EM: “Winning our first NutraIngredients Award (Start-up of the Year) in 2018 helped raise awareness of our products and technologies, we were a small Australian business. ​

“Since then, industry recognition has helped endorse our technologies and scientific studies. Pharmako now has customers in over twenty countries. ​

“Winning a NutraIngredients Award provides opportunities to present at conferences, and new customers seek you out at exhibitions.” ​

Likewise, do you think a win would open up more opportunities for Pharmako Biotechnologies to seek further industry accolades or awards?​

EM: “Raising awareness of a tremendous ingredient such as HydroCurc will lead to more products taking advantages of its pharmacokinetic, functional and clinical benefits. ​

“HydroCurc and the LipiSperse technology upon which it is based have both already won awards in the European Sports Science and Nutrition Awards. (ESSNA).” ​

Finally, do you have any advice for those looking to enter a category for next year’s NutraIngredients Awards?​

EM:

“Process - Entering awards such as the NutraIngredients Awards are a worthwhile exercise. The process allows you to consider the merits of your activities and describe your ingredient/product advantages. Start early, have a team leader responsible for the entry, but ensure that multiple team members are included to contribute. ​

“Recognition - Industry awards bring recognition, but be prepared to utilise this potential marketing tool as best you can.”​

The winners of the 2022 NutraIngredients Awards will be revealed during a live broadcast on NutraIngredients.com on the 4 of May, at 4pm CET (Paris time), and our finalists are excited to hear the results. You should be, too!

Head on over to the NutraIngredients Awards website​​ to learn more and to register your interest.