GAIN Business Award for Innovation in Nutrition invites applications from innovative companies

Geneva, London, 23 June 2008 (GAIN/IBLF) – The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition and the International Business Leaders Forum invite applications of companies for the new GAIN Business Award for Innovation in Nutrition.

This GAIN Business Award for Innovation in Nutrition is a new annual Award for companies who apply innovative business models and develop new products and services that help fight malnutrition, improve public health and promote sustainable development.

"More and more companies are testing new business models to make money and improve the nutrition of the poor in developing countries. The Award will recognize and stimulate such innovation and encourage a wide range of companies to get engaged in the fight against malnutrition because it delivers benefits to everyone involved," says Marc Van Ameringen, Executive Director of GAIN.

Malnutrition is the major cause of death for 3.5 million infants and young children, and leaves 178 million children permanently damaged. More than 2 billion poor people worldwide suffer from some form of malnutrition.
Increasingly, companies recognize that tailored products and services for the poor make good business sense. It benefits the health of their clients, stimulates local development, and helps build local partnerships with governments and civil society organizations.

"We are delighted to be working with GAIN to promote business led initiatives which will help alleviate malnutrition, poverty and further sustainable development. We hope the Award will raise awareness of the important role business can play by encouraging companies of all types and sizes from around the world to get involved," said Olive Boles, Director of Health Partnerships at IBLF.

"We are really looking forward to showcasing compelling examples of business innovation, and sharing them as widely as possible to inspire others."

The GAIN Business Award for Innovation in Nutrition is now open to applications from small to large companies in a range of sectors. Applicants need to demonstrate that their innovation measurably benefits the nutrition of the poor, applies a business model that is sustainable, and, where appropriate, involves working in partnership with other organizations.

Process
The GAIN Business Award is open to companies of all types and sizes that show a commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance, responsible business practices and sustainable development. Companies who are delivering products and services that help fight malnutrition are invited to apply before 30 September 2008 at www.gainaward.com.

Jury
A panel of distinguished judges will decide on the winner of the Award:

• Roger Barnett (Chairman and CEO, Shaklee Corporation)
• Antony Burgmans KBE (Former Chairman and CEO Unilever)
• Rakesh Nangia (Vice President, World Bank Institute)
• Sarita Nayyar (Senior Director, Head of Consumer Industries, World Economic Forum)
• Will Oulton (Managing Director CRG Advisory Services Ltd and former Deputy CEO of FTSE Group)
• Professor Stuart Hart & associates (Cornell University, Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise)
• Cheryl Scott (Chief Operating Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

Award Ceremony
The Winner of the non-cash GAIN Business Award for Innovation in Nutrition will be notified in January 2009 and will be announced publicly at a special Award Ceremony at the beginning of 2009.

For more information
GAIN:
Mr. Elroy Bos - Senior Manager, Communications and Advocacy: Tel: +41 22 749 1850, ebos@gaingeneva.org
IBLF:
Ms. Kathrin Bauer, Tel: +44 207 467 3659, Mob: +44 79 439 60733, kathrin.bauer@iblf.org
http://www.gainaward.com