Household and Personal Products Industry

Moreover, of its 59 worldwide affiliates, two-thirds reported an increase in sales, with much of the growth in Russia, China and India.

In new product news, Amway launched Clear.Now in May, which it calls a chewable supplement for beautiful skin from the inside out. Clear.Now is a fruit-flavored chewable that supports healthy skin, promotes clear and even skin tone, and enhances a body’s natural ability to promote the appearance of healthy skin. The supplement, along with the three-step Clear.Now Skin Care System, provides a comprehensive solution to achieving a healthy complexion, according to Amway.

The exclusive Clear.Now Supplement features Praventin, a patent-pending, milk-derived protein that helps provide a healthy complexion and beautiful skin. It is also safe for those who are lactose intolerant, with no side effects, according to the company. A 30-day supply retails for $29.99.

While other marketers try to flesh out their internet strategy, Amway continues to succeed through the channel. In fact, according to Internet Retailer’s annual Top 500 Guide to the web, Amway Global is ranked first in the health & beauty category for the sixth consecutive year, and 28th in overall web sales.

According to Internet Retailer estimates, Amway Global’s online sales surpassed $904 million in 2008. The online H&B category grew 14% to more than $2.9 billion, with Amway Global’s sales estimated to represent more than 31% of that category.

“The leader for online health and beauty sales for six straight years is not a label most people would normally associate with Amway Global, but it’s one we’re extremely proud of,” said Steve Lieberman, Amway Global’s managing director in a statement.

In August 2008, Amway Global launched a North American tour of mobile brand experiences, featuring two customized buses, to increase consumer awareness of its two flagship brands, Nutrilite nutrition and wellness products; and Artistry skin care and cosmetics. The buses were designed to educate consumers about the brands and offer opportunities for product sampling.

In June 2008, Nutrilite attained a new milestone by posting a record $3.1 billion in annual sales over the previous 12 months.

Finally, in 2008, Amway’s sister company, Access Business Group, reached $1 billion in contract sales revenue since its inception in 1999.

The Top 50 is published every July.

8. Ecolab
St. Paul, MN
651.293.2233
www.ecolab.com
Sales: $6.1 billion

Sales: $6.1 billion. Net income: $448 million.

Key Personnel: Douglas M. Baker, chairman, president and chief executive officer; Christophe Beck, executive vice president, institutional North America; Larry L. Berger, senior vice president and chief technology officer; Angela M. Busch, vice president, corporate development; James W. Chamberlain, senior vice president, institutional North America field sales; Tracy J. Crocker, senior vice president and general manager, institutional North America hospitality, healthcare and commercial business; Steven L. Fritze, chief financial officer; Robert K. Gifford, senior vice president, global supply chain; Thomas W. Handley, president, industrial and services, North America sector; Michael A. Hickey, senior vice president, global business development and general manager GCS service; Phillip J. Mason, president, international sector; James A. Miller, president, institutional North America sector; Julie L. Moore, vice president, global marketing and communications; Susan K. Nestegard, executive vice president, global healthcare; Thomas W. Schnack, executive vice president and general manager, food and beverage and water care, North America; Robert P. Tabb, vice president and chief information officer; James H. White, chief information officer.

Major Products: Institutional—warewashing, laundry, housekeeping, water filtration and conditioning and pool and spa management products; Food and beverage— cleaning and sanitizing products, equipment, systems and services; Pest elimination—commercial pest elimination and prevention services and grease elimination programs; Kay—cleaning and sanitizing products and services for restaurant and food industries; Professional—floor care, carpet care and personal care products for the commercial, industrial and health care markets.