FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Climate Collaborative Announces Winners of the 2026 Climate Leaders Awards at Climate Day During Expo West
Honoring companies and organizations advancing real climate solutions across the food and grocery industry
Anaheim, CA — March 3, 2026 — The Climate Collaborative today announced the winners of the 2026 Climate Leaders Awards, recognizing companies and organizations delivering meaningful climate solutions across the food and grocery industry. The awards were presented during the Climate Leaders Luncheon at Climate Day at Expo West, where leaders from across the natural products ecosystem gathered to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and measurable climate action.
The Climate Leaders Awards highlight the people and organizations helping shift the food system from being part of the climate problem to being part of the solution. In the spirit of the Climate Collaborative’s mission, the awards surface real-world examples of climate leadership that can inspire, inform, and accelerate action across the industry. The Climate Leaders Awards are part of Climate Day at Expo West, an annual convening organized by the Climate Collaborative that brings together companies, retailers, NGOs, and solution providers working to accelerate climate action across the natural products industry.
“Across the food and grocery sector, companies are finding powerful ways to translate climate commitments into real-world impact,” said Courtney Pineau, Executive Director of the Climate Collaborative. “The Climate Leaders Awards recognize the innovators, communicators, and collaborators who are demonstrating that climate solutions are not only possible, but already underway. We hope these stories inspire even greater action across our community.”
Submissions were evaluated by a panel of respected leaders from across the food and climate ecosystem, bringing expertise in retail, sustainability strategy, regenerative agriculture, and food systems innovation. The 2026 judging panel included Errol Schweizer, Shauna Sadowski, Carlotta Mast, Robyn O'Brien, Jane Franch, and Ryan Pintado-Vertner. Judges reviewed submissions across multiple criteria, including climate impact, innovation, credibility, and the potential to inspire broader industry action.
2026 Climate Leaders Awards Winners
Regenerative Agriculture Leadership
This award honors a company that has demonstrated significant leadership in advancing a resilient and thriving food system.
Winner: Adams Group
Honorable Mentions: Applegate; Tradin Organic
Forest Action Leadership
This award honors a company that has demonstrated significant leadership in protecting and restoring forest ecosystems within its sourcing and supply chains.
Winner: Yerba Madre
Super Pollutants (SLCP) Leadership
This award honors a company that has demonstrated significant leadership in reducing super pollutants such as methane, refrigerants, and other short-lived climate pollutants.
Winner: Amy’s Kitchen
Climate-Aligned Product Innovation Leadership
This award honors a company that has demonstrated significant leadership in bringing climate-aligned products to market in ways that meaningfully reduce climate impact.
Winner: Oatly
Honorable Mention: CatSpring Yaupon
Climate Communications Leadership
This award honors organizations that have demonstrated significant leadership in communicating climate action with clarity, transparency, and integrity.
CPG Leader: Lundberg Family Farms
Nonprofit Leader: BITE
Collective Action Leadership
This award honors partners that have demonstrated significant leadership in working together to advance climate solutions that no single organization could achieve alone.
CPG Leader: Regenerative Oats Program
Nonprofit Leader: U.S. Food Waste Pact
About the Climate Collaborative
The Climate Collaborative is a nonprofit initiative bringing together leading food companies, retailers, manufacturers, and NGOs to advance bold climate action across the food and grocery industry. Through collaborative initiatives, industry convenings, and practical resources, the Climate Collaborative works to accelerate solutions across key areas including regenerative agriculture, forest protection, super pollutant reduction, climate-aligned product innovation, and climate communications.
Learn more: www.climatecollaborative.com
Inquiries can be directed to: [email protected]