History

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."

1933
Carl identifies components of plants that are essential to health and calls them “Associated Food Factors.” Today, these are recognized as phytonutrients.

1934
Carl introduces what many people claim to be the first multivitamin/multimineral supplement sold in the United States.

1935
Carl names one of his first products VITA-6 for the six vitamins it contains. In 1937, he changes the name to VITASOL.

1935
Carl sets up a lab in Montebello, California, and pursues his dream full-time.

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.

1939
Nutrilite Products, Inc. (NPI) is officially incorporated. The cost to incorporate is $69.56.

1939
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.

1942
Carl purchases a 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.

1948
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.

1949
Nutrilite Products, Inc. launches its first food supplement for children.

1953
As sales continue to grow, 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.

1956
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 Independent Business Owners 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."

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.

1972
The NUTRILITE® product line adds exponentially to Amway gross sales, as Nutrilite distributors become Amway distributors selling a full line of NUTRILITE products

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 400 acres are purchased in Naguabo, Puerto Rico.

1984
Nutrilite Products, Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary. Nutrilite product sales reach $126 million.

1992
Nutrilite purchases more than 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.

1996
Nutrilite Products, Inc. sales hit $1 billion as the brand launches in the 25th market, Indonesia.

1998
Nutrilite and Amway acquire the 4,100 acre Fazendo Planato Grande in Brazil.

1998
A controlling interest is acquired in Trout Lake Farm—the largest certified organic herbal farm in North America.

1998
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 emphasize the responsible management of natural resources and respect for nature’s processes.

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.

2008
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.