Acquisitions, mergers, awards, charity work, certifications, company news and more.

Ferndale, WA-based Barlean’s Organic Oils launched a new Fresh Catch fish oil promotion called “Freshness You Can Feel.” Retailers can receive discounts, merchandising incentives, free Fresh Catch T-shirts. The promotion is supported with national advertising and in-store instant coupons on all Fresh Catch fish oil caps and liquids. The promotion begins this month and runs through the end of year.

Pure SKN, headquartered in Detroit, MI, launched a new Web site, www.pure-skn.com, which features comprehensive product information, a blog and links to social media sites.

Topical Biomedics of Rhinebeck, NY announced that its Pain Relief and Healing Cream received a patent as a way to help those who experience pain associated with fibromyalgia.

For the fourth year in a row, derma e Natural Bodycare of Simi valley, CA has made a donation to Heal the Bay, a nonprofit group that helps make Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, safe and clean.

Mineral Resources International, Inc. of Ogden, UT made a new company video entitled, “Better Health with nature’s Minerals” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=UklQftZiGJg). The video shows the Anderson family and how they harvest minerals from Utah’s Great Salt Lake for health purposes.

Organic cosmetics maker Emani Minerals of norco, CA is now PETA-approved (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This certifies that the company does not engage in animal testing.

Torrance, CA-based Sun Chlorella USA expanded its online outreach to retailers with social media sites on Twitter and Facebook. The firm also offers a video educational series through its YouTube channel.

Lily Organics of Brighton, CO received several USDA organic certifications. They are now a USDA-certified organic farm and a processor/handler for their lab. In addition, their skincare product is certified organic.

Noah’s Naturals, based in Los Angeles, CA, received the “Certified natural” seal from the natural Products Association for 12 of its skincare products.

Rainbow Light of Santa Cruz, CA sponsored a private screening of “Kaisei: journey into the Plastic vortex” in mid-August. This documentary highlights the Plastic vortex, an “area filled with accumulated plastic debris that affects the health of the ocean and its marine life,” says the company.

Washington, NJ-based Herbalist & Alchemist announced that it is now a Certified B Corporation. This certification (given out by B Lab) is given to those that “use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.”

Several products (IronSorb, Toco-Sorb and Max DHA Fish Oil) manufactured by Jarrow Formulas of Los Angeles, CA were featured in the May 2010 issue of Beverly Hills Times Magazine.

For the third year running, Bloomingdale, IL-based NOW Foods was recognized as one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the national Association for Business Resources.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, October 2010