Leading industry figures joined Peers, MPs and influential figures at a special event to mark 50 years of the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA).
The black tie event saw companies from across the natural health sector, along with politicians, the Press and a number of past HFMA Chairs and award winners come together for a sunshine-filled boat ride along the River Thames, before coming to a stop at the stunning location, the Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall, dubbed ‘the finest dining hall in Europe’, for a there-course dinner.
Speaking at the event was HFMA President, Peter Aldis, who welcomed guests to the Royal Naval College, Lord Philip Hunt, who has long had a connection with the industry, going back nearly half the 50 years the organisation is celebrating, and Dr Hilary Jones, who was there to pick up the honour of winning The HFMA’s Health Journalist of the Year Award.
Commenting on his award, Dr Hilary said: “I’m honoured to be here tonight with the HFMA to celebrate 50 years of the association, and it has been my pleasure to meet so many hard-working professionals in this industry. I have always advocated a sensible and straightforward attitude to health, and I keep a close eye on new research, constantly questioning what I read on a daily basis. My lifelong passion for delivering honest and sensible health advice to the nation is one I hope to keep exploring for many years to come, and I thank responsible companies, such as those in the HFMA, for their constant innovation and support of this mission.”
Also speaking was the HFMA’s current Chair, Robert Taylor, who talked in detail about the incredible achievements of the organisation over the last 50 years. Not only did he highlight some of these, such as the successful Article 14 disease risk reduction claim for folic acid, he also referred to the ongoing challenges, including the rejection of the legal challenge over the implementation of the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation.
It was also revealed that a new report, Micronutrient Initiatives for Future Health, is to be released. This follows the encouraging roundtable held recently and led by the distinguished Professor Peter Aggett. It was also confirmed that the HFMA is planning to support the formation of a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Micronutrients for Health.
