Watkins develops and markets over 350 family and household products including organic spices and herbs, natural personal care, plant-based household cleaners, and nature-based remedies and food supplements. The company directly employs over 3000 people and is associated with more than 40,000 farmers in 26 countries. Through a strong network of over 50,000 associates in 35 countries, Watkins’ products are sold in 124 countries.
Watkins Online is among the oldest American companies today, founded in 1868 by Joseph Ray Watkins. The company began by selling homemade liniments, and its founder was the first entrepreneur to sell a product with a trademark and money back guarantee. In 1885, he moved his company to Winona, Minnesota and registered it in the name of J. R. Watkins Medical Company, expanding its product line to include cathartic pills, vanilla, Petro-Carbo Salve, cinnamon and black pepper. By the 1940s, Watkins was selling over 50 different products through 135 branch distributors in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
For over a century, the company was owned and operated by the Watkins family. In 1978, Watkins was purchased by Irwin Jacobs, who honored and adhered to the tradition of producing first-class products and providing excellent customer service.