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Public Companies Faring Well Through First 3 Quarters of 2018

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U.S public direct selling companies are enjoying a profitable year through the first nine months of 2018.

Four billion-dollar companies—Herbalife Nutrition (up 11%), Nu Skin (up 23.7%), Primerica (up 13%) and USANA (up 14.9%)—are on track to surpass net sales from 2017. The other billion-dollar US company, Tupperware, is experiencing lower than usual sales for the year (down 6.2%).

Of the other public companies, two have already surpassed 2017 totals. Medifast, parent company of OPTAVIA, has achieved $355.1 million through the first nine months, surpassing its 2017 total of $301.6 million. Medical Marijuana Inc, parent company of Kannaway, has achieved $44.3 million in the first nine months—up from $17.5 million in Q3 of 2017—thanks to the booming cannabidiol (CBD) market.

Two companies with fiscal 2018 calendar years already ended both surpassed 2017 totals. LifeVantage achieved $203 million in 2018 compared to $200 million in 2017. Educational Development Corporation, parent company of Usborn Books & More, achieved $111.9 million, up from $107 million 2017.

Two companies, Mannatech (down 0.6%) and Natural Health Trends (down 0.8%), are both slightly below their net sales compared to the first three quarters of 2017.

Avon Products Inc., established in the US but now headquartered in London, is up slightly (2.4%) from the first three quarters of 2017.

Kannaway Holds European Grand Opening

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Medical Marijuana, Inc. recently announced that its subsidiary Kannaway held its official European Grand Opening in Prague on Nov. 17-18.

Kannaway, the first hemp lifestyle network to offer cannabidiol (CBD) hemp botanical products, will also launch several new hemp and CBD hemp oil products at the event, further broadening its product line offerings in Europe.

“There is great opportunity for us to grow our company internationally in today’s rapidly expanding European hemp CBD market,” said Kannaway CEO Blake Schroeder. “Starting with this Grand Opening event, we are excited to bring Kannaway’s products into this growing market and develop our team of Brand Ambassadors.”

Kannaway is the first direct selling company to offer hemp-based CBD wellness products across Europe. According to Prohibition Partners, a UK-based cannabis consulting firm, CBD in Europe is already a booming market and, with predicted growth of $135 billion by 2028, is on track to be the largest in the world.

The event featured cannabis industry expert Dr. Stuart Titus, CEO of Medical Marijuana, Inc.

“This event is a great chance to officially celebrate our launch into the European market,” said Kannaway Vice President Alex Grapov. “Our company understands that increasing access to the many health and wellness benefits of CBD is not just an American affair; it’s a global cause we’re dedicated to and we will continue to reach as many countries as possible.”

Stemtech Launches OraStem™ Toothpaste

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Stemtech Corporation recently announced its entry into the oral care category with the introduction of OraStem, an all-natural tooth-whitening toothpaste.

“This is another major positive milestone for Stemtech Corporation,” said CEO Ray Carter. “It clearly demonstrates our product leadership in the consumer wellness space.”

Stem cells are at the center of the body’s ability to renew and restore all tissues and organs. Recent research has discovered that stem cells are found in your teeth, gums and salivary glands. Maximizing oral health is essential to overall wellness and healthy aging.

“This novel formulation of 14 synergistic ingredients addresses oral health in a multi-dimensional way,” said Dr. Mira Gadzala, Stemtech, senior vice president of Research & Development. “It’s safety and efficacy are supported by dozens of published studies.”

Originally founded in 2005, Stemtech has pioneered a new category of dietary supplement—cellular nutrition powered by natural stem cell technology. Stemtech’s patented natural products are designed to support the body’s renewal system of adult stem cells.

Seldia Releases New Survey on European Direct Sellers

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Seldia, the European Direct Selling Association, recently released a new survey on direct sellers in the European Union.

Seldia commissioned Ipsos, a Paris-based global market research firm, to conduct a socio-economic study on the direct selling salesforce. This is the first such report in the last 10 years to cover the makeup and motivation of those participating in the channel. Countries included in the survey were Italy, UK, Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, France, Spain, Lithuania and Sweden.

Highlights from the survey include:

  • 88% of direct sellers are women
  • Largest group (26%) are aged 35-44
  • Average length of involvement in direct selling is about six years
  • 42% work full-time outside direct selling; 27% focus on direct selling
  • The main motivator for involvement is they like the products/services
  • On average, direct sellers spend about 12 hours a week on direct selling
  • Face-to-face meetings are the number one source of revenue
  • 78% are satisfied with their overall experience with direct selling
  • 9 out of 10 direct sellers are likely to stay with their company

To view the full survey, click here.

WorldVentures Expands to France

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Plano, Texas-based WorldVentures recently announced it has established a branch of its Dutch operations in France.

“We are honored to open in France,” said WorldVentures Holdings CEO Josh Paine. “WorldVentures is a great fit for a country that is a top destination for travelers around the world and a culture that celebrates life and new experiences.”

WorldVentures has offered DreamTrips to France through its travel partner. Since 2015, there have been 115 DreamTrips to the country, with 5,001 adults and 662 children traveling. With this new market opening, residents of France now have access to DreamTrips and to a membership that offers professionally curated travel opportunities as well as a loyalty program at select restaurants, spas and entertainment venues around the globe.

In 2019, WorldVentures Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the company, will host its first Voluntour in France, an opportunity for volunteers to benefit the health, education and happiness of children and families in the community.

FTC Lauds Establishment of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council

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Lois Greisman, Associate Director of the Division of Marketing Practices, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lauded the establishment of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DS-SRC) at the Direct Selling Association (DSA) Fall Conference in Arlington, VA.

In addition to providing an overview of the January 2018 FTC Business Guidance Concerning Multi-Level Marketing, Associate Director Greisman characterized the launch of the DS-SRC as a “really terrific step.”  She noted that DSA members are “perfectly situated to get it right and promote consumer protection” and “competition in the marketplace.”  She underscored her belief that self-regulation will benefit all direct selling companies.

Ms. Greisman outlined how the structure and independent monitoring initiatives such as the DS-SRC provide a “great framework” that have both “transparency and teeth.”  She reiterated her standing offer to continue pursuing productive dialogue with direct selling, adding that she looks forward to seeing the program in action.

DSA President Joseph N. Mariano stated that “direct selling has the responsibility to raise the bar to protect consumers, and will help the channel maintain the sharpest competitive edge for the independent contractors who are our businesses’ lifeblood.”

He added that the Association “appreciates the FTC’s acknowledgment that the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council is a good step forward for the channel.  The stronger the channel’s self-regulatory efforts and reputation, the better positioned every direct seller will be to compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Secretary Acosta Recognizes Independent Contractors’ Important Role

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Photo: U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta at DSA Fall Conference

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta recently recognized the important role independent contractors play in the American economy.

Secretary Acosta presented the Trump Administration’s views on independent contractors at the Direct Selling Association Fall Conference held Nov. 12–14 in Arlington, VA. He highlighted the spirit of entrepreneurship, which is a priority for the current Administration.

The Secretary also stated the U.S. Department of Labor helps Americans like direct sellers by ensuring a clear regulatory environment. He underscored the importance of Association Health Plans and Association Retirement Plans to help direct sellers with the building blocks of running businesses on their own terms.

“The freedom and flexibility that have attracted millions to direct selling, together with how technology has enhanced career choices, are driving an even larger segment of the American workforce to become independent contractors,” said DSA President Joseph N. Mariano. “Secretary Acosta and the Trump Administration’s recognition of this reality and the advance of healthcare and retirement plans for independent contractors are positive for direct selling. We look forward to continuing our work with Secretary Acosta and the U.S. Department of Labor on these initiatives.”

SeneGence Mexico Launches with Grand Opening Celebration

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SeneGence International® recently launched its Mexico offices with a two-day event that included a grand opening ceremony and a welcome reception.

“This is a very exciting time for SeneGence,” said Joni Rogers-Kante, Senegence president. “International expansion into Mexico is part of our overall growth strategy, and based on the response we received, I know it will be an extremely successful venture for the company and our new independent distributors. Over the course of the two-day event, we welcomed  distributors to our family.”

For the event, SeneGence also sent US distributor trainers Lisa Tippen-Morris, Kasie Lofton Smith and Lacey Ivancevic to provide current and potential independent distributors the opportunity to ask questions about the brand and its products, as well as meet the team behind the anti-aging, long-wearing cosmetic line.

Isagenix Celebrates America Recycles Day

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Photo: Erik Coover, senior vice president of global field development and culture, Isagenix International.

Isagenix International celebrated America Recycles Day by kicking off a three-month recycling campaign.

The campaign is designed to educate employees about recycling and inspire them to reduce waste in the workplace and in the community. The campaign begins with a special employee event at global headquarters, where an employee recycling competition will launch. City of Phoenix Zero Waste Coordinator Lucas Mariacher will speak at the event, offering valuable recycling tips and explaining how Isagenix employees can make a positive impact on the environment.

The recycling campaign is the latest example of the company’s commitment to sustainability. Earlier in the year, Isagenix announced a goal to convert all packaging components to be made of recyclable, reusable, compostable or recycled materials by 2028. Another recent sustainability milestone is installation of photovoltaic solar panels on parking lot shade structures at the 162,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Gilbert, Arizona.

“At Isagenix, we are always striving to do more to positively impact our planet and improve our future,” said Erik Coover, senior vice president of global field development and culture. “We want to serve as an example of how companies can achieve corporate objectives while also honoring and protecting the earth’s natural resources.”

Jim O’Reilly Named ARIIX Australia GM

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ARIIX recently announced that industry veteran Jim O’Reilly has joined the executive team as general manager of Australia to the ARIIX Executive Team.

“Jim’s professional experience and dedication to the MLM industry demonstrates a commitment to meeting customer needs,” said Mark Wilson, ARIIX president and founder. “His attention to detail has led to extraordinary success in markets all around the world, and we are pleased to see him bring his talents to ARIIX Australia!”

O’Reilly has more than a decade of experience in the network marketing industry, including several director-level positions. He has worked in markets across the globe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

“Of all the opportunities I’ve been exposed to, ARIIX is like no other,” said O’Reilly. “The ARIIX philosophy and the way we are shaking up the industry is just so exciting. Acquisitions of companies like NuCerity and the amazing portfolio of ARIIX products, combined with our incredible representatives, will set the Australia market up for success.”

M.Global, Jamberry, Avisae Merge into BeneYOU

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Direct selling companies M.Global, Jamberry and Avisae have joined together to form the newly launched BeneYOU, LLC.

The move is the culmination of a series of strategic moves that have occurred throughout 2018, including M.Global’s June acquisition of assets from Jamberry, which offered beauty and skin care products, and the recent welcoming of Utah-based Avisae, a health and wellness company.

“As a relatively young company, we’ve made several strategic decisions during 2018 that position us for dynamic expansion and provide our Associates and Customers with personalized growth opportunities along with a product mix that offers a total approach to wellness and beauty,” said BeneYOU President and CEO Ryan Anderson. “We love that this new company communicates our commitment to helping people around the world become ‘a better you.’”

The company also announced the appointment of Dave Wentz as board chairman of BeneYOU. Wentz, the former CEO of USANA Health Sciences, has also served as chairman of the Direct Selling Association Board of Directors and chairman of the Direct Selling Education Foundation.

“I’m excited to join the team at BeneYOU,” said Wentz. “Our synergistic product mix—coupled with an individualized approach to wellness and entrepreneurship—presents us with the opportunity to become a powerful force in evolving the direct-sales industry in the new gig economy.”

Avisae founders Brooks Yates and Brent Ririe will also have leadership roles at BeneYOU. Yates will serve as the company’s executive vice president of IT and Finance, while Ririe will engage his skills and experience to drive business activity as a top field leader.

Anderson said the existing brand names for each product line will remain the same. For the immediate future, BeneYOU will also retain the websites for each product line.

LifeVantage-Sponsored Anthony Robles Sets New World Record

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Anthony Robles, the athlete and long-time LifeVantage consumer, broke the world record for pull-ups in a single minute this past weekend.

Robles, the one-legged wrestler who won the 2011 NCAA 125-pound title, cranked out 62 pull-ups Sunday during the NY Jets–Buffalo Bills game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, besting Harvard Professor Adam Sandel’s previous record of 61. The record is pending final Guinness verification.

Robles’ world record attempt was sponsored by Nike, Freemotion Fitness, and Sandy, Utah-based LifeVantage.

“Anthony embodies so much of what LifeVantage and our biohacking community are about,” said LifeVantage CMO Ryan Goodwin. “This is someone who, against all odds, has optimized his body and physical performance at the highest possible levels. His is a truly inspiring story.””

Robles’ NCAA title attracted worldwide attention and helped earn him ESPN’s “Jimmy V Award for Perseverance” and a second Espy Award for “Best Male Athlete with a Disability.” A movie about Robles’ life is currently in the works.