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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
In 1994, two food scientists, Stephen Story and John Wadsworth, were introduced to a unique plant that for thousands of years had provided healthful benefits to the people of French Polynesia. It was known as the noni plant or in scientific terms Morinda citriofolia.
Stephen and John learned that the noni fruit yielded a strong-tasting juice and that beyond the South Pacific, very few people knew about it. Appreciating the importance of their discovery, the two men began to develop a process of harvesting noni and of producing and flavoring marketable juice.
After several years of research, the Stephen and John were introduced to individuals who immediately recognized the importance and potential of the product. Kerry Asay, former CEO of one of the world's oldest and most successful network marketing companies, Kim Asay and Kelly Olsen decided to join Story and Wadsworth to bring noni products to market.
Not only had the five founders been successful network marketing executives, they also had extensive experience in the health supplement industry. They were aware of the impact their products would have on the industry and started a company whose sole mission is to make noni products available to all people everywhere. The name of the company is Morinda, derived from the plant's scientific name.
Morinda, which is based in Orem, officially began operations in July 1996. That first month, total sales reached $40,000 and by the end of the year, $6.5 million. The company then opened an office in Puerto Rico and expanded operations to several other countries.
Morinda now operates in more than 20 countries and territories, and its TAHITIAN NONI Juice is available in more than 50 countries. Last year, Morinda surpassed $1 billion in total global sales since its founding.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
