Editor's note: Contributors were asked to either complete a questionnaire or use it as the basis for a post. These are the words of the contributor, who were selected by the association. Any edits made were done for space considerations. Want to be included? Contact [email protected].

What is the purpose of your association?

The United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) is an international association of forward-looking companies dedicated to providing consumers with natural health products of superior quality, benefit and reliability.

Who does your membership consist of? What are the qualifications for membership?

UNPA is composed of best-in-class companies and service providers in all areas of the natural health products industry across four different membership categories: Executive, Science & Technology Services, Associate and State Chapter memberships—in the nine states that we currently have state chapters. To be considered for membership, companies and other organizations must have demonstrated competence in quality management, adherence to accepted industry standards and practices, and must have an executive commitment to safety, science, and research.

What services or benefits do you provide your members?

Membership benefits and deliverables are geared to best serve each group and provide unparalleled value: extensive information services, regulatory and legislative leadership and advocacy, regularly scheduled education events in person and online, media relations and promotion of industry, and robust member networking and outreach opportunities, as well as discounts on events and publications.

How is your organization different than others representing the natural products industry? 

UNPA is an alliance of companies and organizations that are collectively working together to build and expand the market for responsible natural health products—it’s not a top-down organization. We rely on the input and expertise of the members to help drive our strategic initiatives and educational events and to develop policies. While we’ve been deeply involved with the passage and implementation of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), we are very focused on helping to create a mature, professional, and highly successful natural products trade to serve the growing market for increasingly health-conscious consumers.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in the upcoming months?

UNPA is focused on a number of issues: to help assure the full and proper implementation and enforcement of DSHEA; the expansion and engagement of companies in the political and legislative process at both the national and state level; helping to establish best practices for our member companies in a number of operational areas; create a cohesive strategy to combat negative media; and open new trade opportunities in foreign markets.  

In your opinion, what's your role in the natural products industry?

UNPA’s role is to serve and lead through collaboration and a shared vision, with a keen eye toward helping companies provide products of quality, benefit, and reliability.