The National Restaurant Association has announced Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, the first triple bottom line premium bottled water of its kind, has been awarded a 2015 Food and Beverage Innovation (FABI) Award and will be among the 28 international winners showcased at the NRA Show on May 16-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The coveted award recognizes Waiakea for its uniqueness and design as well as its progressive contributions to the food and beverage industry in the form of its health, sustainability, and ethical/charitable initiatives.
“It is a huge honor to be receiving a FABI Award on behalf of Waiakea,” says Ryan Emmons, president and founder. “As we continue to progress rapidly in the Foodservice channel, this serves as an incredible validation for our brand and mission.”
Each year an independent panel of experts decide the FABI Award recipients based on various food and beverage companies’ benefits to the restaurant industry and the consumer. Waiakea’s reformist business platform, including using only 100% RPET bottles, being certified carbon neutral, and donating 650 liters of clean water to those in need for each liter sold, has earned them a coveted spot among the select brands to be given a FABI Award this year.
“FABI Awards are meant to recognize pioneers within the industry and it means a lot to our team,” says Emmons “yet there is much we need to do.”
John C. Metz, Convention Chair for NRA Show 2015 and CEO commented, “Our industry feels a continuous drive to innovate, to stay on trend, and to deliver on guest satisfaction, and this year’s FABI Awards showcase the companies and innovators that help chefs and foodservice operators deliver on that promise to our guests. These products provide opportunities to answer consumer demands, advance menu development, and improve efficiencies for virtually any operation."
For more information about Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, visit waiakeasprings.com.