VWS Awards: Company of the Year

Vancouver, Canada

Founded by Ashley Paterson, Healthy Hippo Naturals, Inc. is a pioneer in the world of plant-based candy. They create low-sugar, high-quality, and 100% vegan sweets using monk fruit extract concentrate and superfoods.

Healthy Hippo Naturals is changing the game in the candy industry with their innovative approach to sweet treats. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and carbon neutrality sets them apart. With the support of influential partnerships, including one with Kourtney Kardashian's Poosh, they are making a significant impact and promoting healthier snack choices.

Santa Barbara, US

MIKUNA, led by visionary COO Sarah Heering, is a trailblazing force in the world of plant-based nutrition. The MIKUNA mission is emphasized in going above and beyond sustainability to regenerate. By implementing a regenerative crop supply chain, the MIKUNA product nourishes the farmers who grow it, the environment/farmland where it grows, and ultimately the consumer.

MIKUNA has embraced chocho, an ancient lupin and superfood, that not only offers exceptional nutritional value but also revitalizes the soil it grows in. Their commitment to regenerative farming practices and their B Corp status demonstrates their dedication to a circular economy and uplifting rural farmer communities in the Andes Mountains of South America. By elevating plant-based nutrition through its ingredients, protein portfolio, and snacks, MIKUNA has earned its place as a finalist, inspiring others to follow their lead.

Gold Coast, Australia

Sprout Organic is an Australian children's nutrition company that specializes in organic, plant-based infant formula and healthy snacks for kids. Founded by Jen and Sel Berdie, their mission is to provide nourishing plant-based food products for children and families worldwide.

Sprout Organic has disrupted the infant formula industry with their plant-based, organic formula, addressing a long-standing gap in the market. Sprout's dedication to providing wholesome nutrition for children has resonated with parents globally. Their journey from personal need to a mission to create healthier options for kids makes them a standout finalist in the plant-based business world.