The Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has awarded Gwyneth Massey as the winner of this year’s Maurice Hanssen Award of Honour. The award, presented at the HFMA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 14th June 2023, is presented in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding contribution to the industry.
Massey is a chartered biologist and a member of the Royal Society of Biology. Having graduated from University College, Cardiff with an honours degree in biochemistry, she spent several years as a biochemist at the Royal Free Hospital, London researching into various aspects of haemophilia. For the last 30 years she has been a code administrator with the HFMA providing comprehensive advice on all aspects of the labelling and advertising of food, food supplements, cosmetic and medicinal products within the UK.
Speaking of Massey’s contribution to the industry, Steve Mann, HFMA’s chair, commented: “There is perhaps nobody in our industry who has provided as much help and guidance to as many individuals, organisations and HFMA members as Gwyneth Massey. Gwyneth’s in depth-knowledge and understanding of the complexities of labelling and advertising requirements are unsurpassed, and throughout her 30 plus year career with the Association, Gwyneth has utilised her expertise to the benefit of HFMA members on a daily basis – her overall contribution is simply beyond measure.”
Graham Keen, executive director said: “In her 30-plus years with the HFMA Gwyneth has been a tower of strength and has come to embody everything that the HFMA strives to be. Her knowledge in the field of food supplement labelling, and the regulatory minefield that governs what we can and can’t say and do, is simply peerless. She is both respected and admired by everyone that has worked with her, or sought her advice, and I can’t imagine anybody more deserving of this recognition.”
Speaking on her award, Massey said: “I am thrilled to receive the Maurice Hanssen Award of Honour this year. Little did I know when I started working at the HFMA more than 30 years ago that I would one day have my name mentioned alongside stalwarts of the industry such as Dame Barbara Cartland, Roger Lane or Maurice Hanssen himself.” She adds, “I have had the privilege of meeting and working with many, if not all, of the previous recipients and I am humbled and honoured at having my name added to such a prestigious award.”