Beekeeper’s Naturals, Mickelberry Gardens win ECRM Cough/Cold Buyers’ Choice Awards
Beekeeper’s Naturals won the Drug Store News Buyers’ Choice Award for its Throat Soothing Pops during ECRM’s Cough, Cold, Preventative & Allergy Session held last month in Chicago. Mickelberry Gardens was a finalist for its Elderberry Honey Tonic.
Both products were selected from dozens of entries submitted by participating suppliers and displayed in the hospitality area of the session. Attending buyers evaluated each entry and cast their votes based on product packaging and innovation.
“Consumers are increasingly seeking products with natural ingredients,” said Judy Ard, vice president of health care for ECRM. “Honey is one of these natural ingredients that’s known for its soothing and anti-microbial properties, and the fact that both winners use honey in their formulations is a testament to its popularity and effectiveness. We congratulate both brands on their Buyers’ Choice Award win.”
Beekeeper’s Naturals began in 2017 when its founder, Carly Kremer, discovered the power of propolis—a natural defender of the beehive, packed with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties—while searching for relief from years of on-and-off tonsillitis.
[Related: Trending Launches in the OTC Category]
Inspired by this incredible ingredient, Carly set out to create health and wellness products held to the same rigorous standards she’d want for anything going into her body. Today, the brand is harnessing the full power of the hive—including propolis, honey, royal jelly, and bee pollen—combining modern science with natural medicine to support health.
Its Kid's Throat Soothing Lollipops combine the immune-supporting power of propolis, vitamin D, and zinc into a delicious, kid-friendly lollipop with only 2 grams of sugar and no artificial dyes or flavors. It features antioxidants from propolis, alongside wildflower honey for soothing scratchy throats.
Mickelberry Gardens was founded by the husband and wife team, Matt and Madelyn Morris—a beekeeper and herbalist respectively. Its product offerings reflect these two passions: combining honey, propolis, and other offerings from the beehive with high quality botanical ingredients to support consumers’ health.
Environmental sustainability and strong sourcing ethics are core company values, and it works with a network of American beekeepers to source all of its honey. It’s a certified B Corporation and a woman-owned business.
Its Elderberry Honey Tonic is an Oxymel—a traditional herbal formula made with raw honey and raw apple cider vinegar. Oxymels have been used for millennia to bolster the immune system, aid digestion, soothe sore throats and promote overall wellness, according to the company. The formula utilizes certified organic black elderberries, certified organic echinacea tops and bee propolis.It’s designed to take by the spoonful, and can also be added to tea or sparkling water.
Next year’s ECRM Cough, Cold, Preventative & Allergy Session will be held January 12 to 15, Click here for more information.
