USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NYSE: USNA), a global nutritional supplements company, today announced the official opening of its France and Belgium markets. Bringing the company's international expansion to 18 countries worldwide, USANA's newest office will reside on the Champs-Elysees in Paris and will initially offer seven nutritional supplements and eight skin-care products.
The new office will be equipped with a staff to meet the needs of its Independent Distributors, provide customer service and support market development, compliance, accounting, commissions, and logistics, among others. The state-of-the-art facility will also include a will-call center and conference space.
"European expansion has been a top priority for us," said USANA's Chief Executive Officer, Dave Wentz. "We currently have customers in the U.K. and the Netherlands, but with the opening of our France and Belgium markets, we are hoping to increase our market share in the region. Europe is a place of immense growth and prosperity and we expect this new expansion to support positive growth on both sides of the Atlantic."
According to the World Federation Direct Selling Association (WFDSA), France is the 10th largest direct-selling market, with estimated sales of 2.45 billion dollars a year (1.8 billion euros) and third overall in the European Union (EU).
"This is an exciting time to be a part of USANA as we expand into Europe," said Alan Bergstrom, vice president of Europe and customer service. "We work tirelessly to adhere to strict manufacturing requirements in every country we operate in, which means we have been working closely with the Federation de la Vente Directe, to ensure that our high-quality products meet national guidelines."
"Our first commitment is to the science behind our products," said Dr. John Cuomo, USANA's executive director of research and product development. "We spend millions a year on research and continually update our state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that we're producing the safest, most effective products possible. We have medical doctors, nurses, nutritionists and other health professionals who swear by our product. We've been in business nearly 20 years and have never had to issue a recall."
Following on the heels of the France and Belgium opening, residents of Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, and Ireland will be able to purchase USANA's high-quality products for personal use as Preferred Customers (PCs).
"I have been taking USANA's supplements for a couple of years now, so I know their products are safe and effective," said USANA brand ambassador and WTA player, Kim Clijsters. "I am excited that my friends and family in my home country of Belgium will also have the opportunity to experience them."
Cranberry juice: A natural boost for women's skin health