Soap-maker scoops up bodycare business
acquisition will expand Dr. Bronner's presence on store shelves
beyond its castile soaps line to include organic lotions, lip balms
and body balms to eventually introduce other organic personal care
products, reports Simon Pitman.
Although terms, conditions and the price of the acquisition were not revealed, Sun Dog Hemp and Dr. Bronner have been working together to formulate new balms and lotions to National Organic standards for some time, and the deal is said to be entirely amicable.
David Bronner, president and third generation of the family-owned of the Bronner business said, "We are excited about the phenomenal quality of our new products. We are using jojoba, avocado and hemp oils as ingredients in all of our lotions and balms. Jojoba oil moisturizes dry skin exceptionally well without being greasy due to the unique similarity to the skin's natural oil. Dr. Bronner's is committed to sustainable agriculture by using only certified organic essential oils."
This month the company launched its new lotions and balms to distributors and stores throughout the US. The company has also updated its website to accommodate the new product lines, which it supplies directly to customers under the trading name Dr. Bronner Sun Dog.
Initially the new product line will only be organic lotions and balms, but other high-quality products are planned over the next 18 months that will comply in full with the National Organic Program (NOP).
"Our primary mission is to do right by organic farmers and consumers, and be a positive stimulus to other companies in the natural body care industry," said Bronner. "Our industry must clean our own house of abusing the organic labeling program if we want to keep the mainstream from doing the same."
