DETROIT — Amway parent company, Alticor Inc., announced global sales exceeding $10.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011.
The results represent 17 percent growth over 2010 annual sales of $9.2 billion. This is the sixth consecutive year of growth for the company, which has posted sales increases 11 out of the past 12 years.
Nine of the top 10 markets for Amway, including China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, Taiwan, Ukraine and the United States, reported strong sales increases. Japan recorded flat sales in the difficult period following the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Markets posting double-digit increases in 2011 include China, India, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam, plus the Latin American region.
With more than 50 years of experience, Amway now holds the top spot in direct selling in key markets like China, India, Japan and Thailand, and is a recognized leader in the industry globally. Reflecting 2011’s substantial gain, Amway has increased overall market share to more than 10 percent.
“For more than 50 years, Amway has focused on helping people live better lives. We provide people an opportunity to have a business of their own, fueled by strong brands and innovative products,” said Steve Van Andel, chairman. “Our success is due to the millions of distributors all over the world who pursue their goals through an Amway business.”
More than three million people worldwide sell AMWAY products in more than 80 countries and territories.
“Amway attracts people with diverse hopes and dreams, and offers a low-cost way for people to go into business for themselves,” said Doug DeVos, president. “In the AMWAY business, relationships build an entire community that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
In addition to supporting its distributors, Amway is an advocate for the direct selling industry globally and in the markets in which it operates. Company executives hold more than 50 industry leadership positions, and DeVos is the current treasurer of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA). More than 87 million people worldwide are engaged in direct selling, according to WFDSA.
In 2011, Amway launched a global corporate social responsibility effort aimed at addressing childhood malnutrition using a product called Nutrilite Little Bits. The product is a micronutrient supplement developed by the company’s Nutrilite scientists to meet specifications published by the World Health Organization. In partnership with select non-governmental organizations, Nutrilite Little Bits is now being distributed to children in Mexico and Zambia, with expansion planned for more than 20 additional countries in the next three years.
“Through Nutrilite Little Bits we harness the power of our 700 scientists and researchers to address a critical global issue,” said DeVos. “We will not profit from Nutrilite Little Bits but we hope the product will help give at-risk children the opportunity to not just survive, but thrive.”
