About the Irish Health Trade Association (IHTA)

The IHTA represents the interests of manufacturers, importers, and distributors of specialist health products in Ireland. These include vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal preparations, homeopathic products, flower remedies, natural body care products and health foods. These products are typically stocked in health/health food stores nationwide and also increasingly in community pharmacies nationwide.  

The principal aim of the IHTA is to promote the wellness of all people in Ireland and to ensure they have the freedom to continue to access natural health products and traditional medicines that are safe, efficacious, and of high quality.

Executive Council

The Constitution of the IHTA provides for the election of an Executive Council to oversee the work of the Association. Council meet regularly under the direction of the Chair of the Association.

The IHTA Code of Practice sets out standards and guidelines to members, joining the Association represents members' adherence to these set guidelines of best business practice.

Alan Ruth

Alan Ruth is Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Health Trade Association. Prior to his appointment, Alan worked as an independent management consultant in the Irish healthcare sector. Before this, he was Managing Director (Ireland) for the American multi-national pharmaceutical company Searle Pharmaceuticals based in Bray, Co. Wicklow.

 Alan is a Chartered Biologist (CBiol) and a Member of the Institute of Biology (MIBiol), a professionally qualified Health Psychologist (MEHPS) and Organizational Psychologist (MSIOP), and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health (FRSH).

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Physiology, a prize-winning Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Marketing (with distinction), and a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology. He is the author of numerous published articles in the field of behavioural medicine, and in particular health promotion and stress management. These articles have appeared in Irish medical and pharmaceutical journals. 

Phil Costigan

Phil Costigan is General Secretary of the IHTA. Phil runs the IHTA Secretariat and keeps members fully up to date on legislation and regulatory matters of relevance to our sector. She holds a law degree from University College Dublin (UCD) and is a qualified solicitor. Phil is also an accredited Mediator with the Mediators' Institute of Ireland and the Academy of Conflict Resolution (USA).

In addition, she holds a Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. In 2007 she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health.