Heather Granato was the first recipient of a newly-created United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) award, “Ignition…Liftoff,” for inspiring and igniting people, careers, and causes over the course of her own career.
 
The award was presented to Granato at UNPA’s semi-annual members’ meeting during SupplySide West in Las Vegas on Oct. 25.
 
“UNPA is so pleased to recognize the substantial contributions Heather has made to the growth of our industry over the last three decades,” said Loren Israelsen, president of UNPA. “We have all benefited from her talent for seeing the big picture and creating connections to make positive things happen.”
 
Granato joined the industry in 1992 as a reporter with New Hope Natural Media after graduating from the University of Richmond with a BA in journalism. After six years there, and a promotion to managing editor of Natural Foods Merchandiser, she moved from Colorado to Phoenix to join Virgo Publishing.
 
Over the next 14 years, her responsibilities increased as her contributions to the company and the industry played a material role in significant growth.
 
After Informa purchased Virgo Publishing, and a few years later New Hope Natural Media, Granato’s area of responsibility expanded further as she became VP of content, health, and nutrition in Informa’s London office.
 
Now, as VP of partnerships and sustainability, Granato uses her talents to make connections and facilitate global partnerships.
 
Additionally, over the past two years, she brought together a group of industry leaders to create Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on supporting women’s professional and personal potential within the industry. The organization is focused on supporting women across the nutraceutical supply chain to increase the representation of women in leadership roles, funding for female-led businesses, and women’s participation in research. Granato serves as WIN’s president.
 
“All of us involved in WIN are thrilled to see Heater’s many contributions to the industry’s success recognized by UNPA, including her vision and hard work to make WIN a reality,” said Karen Todd, WIN board chair. “WIN’s tag line is ‘unlocking potential,’ but that is what Heather has done her whole career.”
 
“This recognition from UNPA is a tremendous honor, as Loren Israelsen has been an inspiration in igniting my own journey,” said Granato. “I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to foster connections and collaborate with amazing colleagues throughout the years to grow our industry. And Women in Nutraceuticals has given me the chance to do even more to give back and ensure the continued vibrance and innovation that comes when we recognize the possibilities in all of us.”