AUSTIN, TX (March 14, 2014) – Whole Foods Market’s Global Vice-President of Quality Standards, Margaret Wittenberg, was honored into the third annual Hall of Legends at Natural Products Expo West on March 6. She was celebrated for her nearly 40 years of work championing quality standards development, organic agriculture, seafood sustainability, and farm animal welfare.
Wittenberg is one of ten honorees to be inducted into the Hall of Legends, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and evolution of the natural, organic and healthy living industry.
“What an honor to be recognized for carrying out Whole Foods Market’s mission that focuses on supporting our local and global communities, environmental stewardship and selling the highest quality natural and organic products available,” said Wittenberg. “I truly hope my life’s work will empower future generations to take responsibility for the health and well-being of our communities and our planet.”
The distinguished award recognizes those with an unyielding entrepreneurial spirit, a sense of community and an unwavering dedication to health.
Wittenberg joined Whole Foods Market in 1981 as one of the company's original Team Members. In her current role since 1998, she has worked closely with key domestic and international organizations including the United States Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Organic Trade Association, and Marine Stewardship Council. She played an integral role in the creation of the National Organic Standards, including a five-year term as the sole retail representative on the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board and was honored by the National Audubon Society with a prestigious Rachel Carson Award for her 30 plus years of work championing organic agriculture, sustainability and the environment.
Additionally, she has authored several books on the topics of food and nutrition, her latest being “The Essential Good Food Guide: The Complete Resource for Buying and Using Whole Grains and Specialty Flours, Heirloom Fruit and Vegetables, Meat and Poultry, Seafood and More” published by Ten Speed Press.
The Natural Products Expo West is the world's largest and premier tradeshows for the natural, organic and healthy products industry.
