Nutrilite History

  • 1910
  • 1920
  • 1930
  • 1940
  • 1950
  • 1970
  • 1980
  • 1990
  • 2000
  • 2010
  • 2020
  • 1910s


    The Early Years : It began with a vision

    1915

    While in China from 1915 until 1927, Carl observes the poor health of the people and makes a correlation between nutrition, health and lifestyle.

    1919

    Before returning to China, Carl spends time learning the nutritional value of milk. At Carnation's research facility, he notes that dairy cattle thrive when fed exclusively on alfalfa. He believes alfalfa is an ideal food source and seeks a way to make it digestible in the human body.

  • 1920s


    Nutrilite Products Take Root Carl Rehnborg pursues link between nutrition and health; formulates a balanced, plant-based vitamin and mineral product

    1926

    Confined in Shanghai during the Revolution, Carl supplements his meager diet by creating “stews” of leafy plants and vegetables, bones and rusty nails.

    1927

    Carl, at the age of 40, leaves China and arrives in San Pedro, California with only $24 in his pocket. Years later he said, "I was flat on my back and broke, but I was rich because I had a dream I was going to pursue at all costs."

  • 1930s


    Nutrilite is Born : Carl Rehnborg introduces a multivitamin/multimineral supplement in the United States

    1933

    Carl identifies components of plants that are essential to health and calls them “Associated Food Factors.” Today, these are recognised as phytonutrients.

    1934

    Carl introduces what many people claim to be the first multivitamin/multimineral supplement sold in the United States.

    1935

    Carl sets up a lab in Montebello, California, and pursues his dream full-time.

    Carl names one of his first products VITA-6 for the six vitamins it contains. In 1937, he changes the name to VITASOL.

    1939

    Carl notes the term “Nutrilites” in a 1928 Science magazine and seeks permission to use it as the official name for his new company.

    Nutrilite Products, Inc. (NPI) is officially incorporated. The cost to incorporate is $69.56.

    Nutrilite opens the Slauson Avenue processing facility in central Los Angeles, its first full manufacturing operation. As business expands, the company begins packaging and shipping a few blocks away on South Hoover Street. ​

  • 1940s


    Nutrilite Evolves Dynamic multilevel marketing concept sets foundation for NutriliteSales

    1942

    Carl purchases a 1.4 hectare (3.6-acre) farm in California’s San Fernando Valley. He wants to grow his alfalfa and other plant materials without using pesticides and herbicides. He develops his own method of farming which he calls “Nutrilite Farming Practices.”

    1945

    Mytinger & Casselberry become exclusive distributors of Nutrilite Food Supplements. This officially marks the beginning of a unique and innovative marketing plan.

    1946

    Carl moves Nutrilite Products, Inc. from Slauson Avenue into a Quonset hut in Buena Park where he lives with his family, conducts research, and makes his concentrates from fresh plant materials.

    1948

    Nutrilite introduces a vitamin and mineral nutrient product named Nutrilite XX, because the product price is $20.

    Nutrilite moves to their current location on 5600 Beach Boulevard (then Grand Avenue) in Buena Park, California.

    1949

    Jay Van Andel and Rich DeVos become distributors of the Nutrilite brand.

    Nutrilite Products, Inc. launches its first food supplement for children.

  • 1950s


    Challenges Spur Progress Carl Rehnborg’s vision and determination overcome business challenges

    1953

    As sales continue to grow, 242 hectares (600 acres) of land are purchased in Lakeview, California for a new processing facility.

    1956

    In cooperation with the University of Hawaii, Nutrilite Products, Inc. conducts research on the acerola cherry and introduces an all-natural vitamin C supplement.

    Nutrilite Products, Inc. gets government approval to use the first natural biological insect control: bacillus thuringiensis. The Company is granted a patent in 1976.

    1957

    Nutrilite establishes its own acerola cherry orchards in Hawaii.

    1958

    Carl speaks before 1,000 distributors at the Fiesta de Oro convention in Los Angeles.

    1959

    Nutrilite distributors Jay Van Andel and Rich DeVos start a new company. They coin Amway as an abbreviation for “American Way.”

  • 1970s


    Amway Acquires Nutrilite Combined power of Amway brands spurs growth

    1970

    Acerola cherry orchards are leased in Puerto Rico, their natural habitat, ensuring a continuing supply of natural vitamin C.

    1972

    Dr. Sam announces Amway’s acquisition of a controlling interest in Nutrilite Products, Inc.

    The Nutrilite product line adds exponentially to Amway gross sales, as Nutrilite distributors become Amway distributors selling a full line of Nutrilite products

    Dr. Sam Rehnborg

    1973

    Nutrilite Founder Carl Rehnborg passes away at the age of 85.

    1974

    The Nutrilite brand becomes available in Canada - the first international presence for the brand.

    1977

    To meet increased demand for Acerola Concentrate, an additional 161 hectares (400 acres) are purchased in Naguabo, Puerto Rico.

  • 1980s


    Nutrilite Celebrates 50 As Amway accelerates international expansion, Nutrilite sales soar

    1984

    Nutrilite Products, Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary. Nutrilite product sales reach $126 million.

  • 1990s


    Nutrilite Embraces Optimal Health Emphasises organic farming, research and global fitness

    1992

    Nutrilite purchases more than 364 hectares (900 acres) in Jalisco, Mexico. Rancho El Petacal’s primary crops include citrus fruit, spinach, garlic and alfalfa.

    1995

    Amway opens manufacturing and distribution facilities in Guangzhou, China. With entry into China, Carl’s initial observations regarding the nutrition and health of the Chinese population come full circle.

    1996

    The Rehnborg Center for Nutrition & Wellness is established as the primary source of science, education, and training for Nutrilite products.

    Nutrilite Products, Inc. sales hit $1 billion as the brand launches in the 25th market, Indonesia.

    1998

    Nutrilite and Amway acquire the 1659 hectare (4100 acre) Fazendo Planato Grande in Brazil.

    A controlling interest is acquired in Trout Lake Farm—the largest certified organic herbal farm in North America.

    Nutrilite prides itself on being a “Global Good Neighbour,” providing for economic security, health care, and education for the local cultures on Nutrilite Farms.

    1999

    All Nutrilite farms adhere to strict guidelines that emphasise the responsible management of natural resources and respect for nature’s processes.

  • 2000s


    Cultivating New Ground Nutrilite is the world’s leading brand of Vitamin, Mineral and Dietary Supplements* (based on 2009 sales)

    2003

    Each Nutrilite Farm is certified organic according to criteria set by its respective country.

    2004

    Nutrilite Health Institute establishes the Scientific Advisory Board, consisting of distinguished scientists from around the world.

    2008

    The Nutrilite brand is named an official sponsor of A.C. Milan Soccer Club.

    Nutrilite is the World’s Leading Brand of Vitamin, Mineral and Dietary Supplements, based on 2008 retail sales.

    2009

    The Nutrilite brand celebrates its 75th anniversary.

  • 2010s


    Nutrilite celebrates 80 years of helping people to better health through better nutrition.

    2014

    Nutrilite celebrates 80 years of helping people to better health through better nutrition.

  • 2020s


    Nutrilite celebrates 90 Nutrilite Years Growth; as we grow for the people and with the people.

    2024

    Nutrilite celebrates 90 years of helping people live healthier, better lives, by combining nature with constant innovation, based on the latest scientific findings.