Following the CMA Annual Conference on December 5, 2024, we hosted the 25th Annual Industry Awards Gala Dinner, celebrating the incredible achievements of individuals and organisations that continue to drive excellence and innovation in the complementary medicines industry.
The awards are a hallmark of our sector, recognising outstanding contributions and showcasing the remarkable talent that shapes our field. This year’s awards spanned a diverse range of categories, from sustainability to research, marketing to manufacturing, reflecting the many facets of our vibrant industry.
This year we announced two new award categories: Regulatory Consultant of the Year and Committee Contributor of the Year Award. The first highlighted the critical role of regulatory expertise in supporting the sector’s growth and integrity, while the latter recognised an individual who has made an exceptional impact through their dedicated contributions to a CMA committee.
The winners were selected by an expert judging panel, who faced the tough task of choosing from a pool of exceptional nominees. Each award winner represents excellence in their respective category, showcasing the depth of talent and innovation that defines our industry.
Congratulations to Our 2024 Award Winners
We are delighted to announce and celebrate the winners of the 2024 CMA Industry Awards:
- Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Award: Gelita Australia
- Social Selling Award: Modere
- Raw Material Supplier of the Year Award: Kaneka Corporation
- Sustainability Award (Sponsored by Skuny Bioscience): Lipa Pharmaceuticals
- Exporter of the Year Award: Homart Group
- Industry Contributor of the Year Award: Dr Brad McEwen
- Regulatory Consultant of the Year Award: Advanced Wellness Regulatory Solutions
- Marcus Blackmore Outstanding Contribution to Research, Education or Training Award: Life-Space Microbiome Institute
- Committee Contributor of the Year Award: Sally Townsend
- Innovation Award (Sponsored by Health Ingredients Co.): Gelita Australia
- Marketing Campaign of the Year Award (Sponsored by Lavida): Swisse Wellness
- Manufacturer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Ultralabels): Vitex Pharmaceuticals
- John Baker Retailer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Insurance Made Easy): Go Vita Midland
The evening culminated with the presentation of the prestigious Lady Cilento Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Elie Chami, co-founder and Chairman of Vitex Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Chami’s journey from migrating to Australia in the 1970s to building a global leader in complementary medicines is an inspiring story of perseverance. Under his leadership, Vitex has grown from a modest family business into a cornerstone of the Australian economy, operating a $100 million advanced manufacturing facility in Western Sydney and employing over 400 staff, with plans to employ 1,000 highly skilled individuals by 2026.
A hands-on leader and philanthropist, he has championed opportunities for migrant communities in Western Sydney and earned accolades for advancing healthcare globally, including recognition from Lebanon’s Prime Minister. With Vitex now among the top five complementary medicine manufacturers in the world, Dr. Chami’s extraordinary legacy continues to shape the industry and improve lives worldwide.
Congratulations again to all of the winners.
