10.01.03
Aloecorp: Doing Everything Aloe
Aloecorp, Broomfield, CO, was founded in 1988 as a vertically integrated supplier of raw material aloe vera. Its role, according to Jeff Barrie, eastern regional sales manager, is to bring the best of nature to mankind. Under the leadership of B. William (Bill) Lee, chairman of the board, Aloecorp resides as the supplier component of the Global Family of Univera Companies. In addition, Aloecorp is the largest aloe vera raw material supplier to the cosmeceutical and nutraceutical industries. Aloecorp also has two sister companies, Unigen Pharmaceuticals and Oasis Wellness Network, which are also based in Broomfield, CO.
Striving to meet demands for quality, the company stands well prepared with its patented process called Time, Temperature and Sanitation (TTS). This process makes it possible for the company to produce what it calls ACTIVE ALOE®. “ACTIVE ALOE is the brand name for our aloe products,” said Mr. Barrie. “That brand comes with a guarantee of 10% by weight polysaccharides, which is important because today most scientists agree that the retention of the polysaccharides is a reflection of aloe’s bioactivity.”
Aloecorp is also a strong supporter and member of the International Aloe Science Council (IASC), which is an international non-profit organization established to serve the needs of the aloe industry. Through this self-regulatory mechanism members of the IASC can ensure that they are providing quality aloe products. Mr. Barrie commented further on its function. “IASC certification ensures that consumers get a bottle of aloe and not something that has been watered down or adulterated,” he said adding, “I am proud to say that Aloecorp was the first company to have all of its products certified by the IASC.”
While the benefits of using aloe topically are well known, the internal benefits are just coming to the surface. Mr. Barrie said, “Most people recognize aloe as a topical ingredient used for soothing burns, however, there is also sound scientific reason for taking aloe internally.” Currently, Aloecorp is working to promote the internal health benefits of aloe. According to the company, some of the health benefits of taking aloe internally include the relief of arthritis and joint and muscle pain as well as relief from gastrointestinal distress. Furthermore, the company noted, aloe also has potential applications in the area of cardiovascular health.
In addition to celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Aloecorp has other things to be excited about. First, the company has acquired land on Hainan Island in China. Mr. Barrie said eventually the company wants to maintain 1000 acres of land in that same region and build a processing facility to support its Pacific Rim customers and parent company. Domestically, the company also has plans to build a new facility in Lyford, TX. Lastly, the company has formed new distributor partnerships in Belgium and the U.K. Will & Co. B.V., Badhoevedorp, The Netherlands, represents Aloecorp’s ACTIVE ALOE and other aloe vera raw materials in The Benelux countries and carries Aloecorp’s exclusivity for some multinational companies throughout Europe. In the U.K., Aloecorp’s products are represented by Chesham Chemicals Limited, Harrow, U.K., which already represents the company’s raw materials in Poland. Aloecorp continues to forge new distributor partnerships, and is currently represented by 30 different companies with distribution in 33 countries around the world.
Aloe’s future, according to Mr. Barrie, looks bright as more people become aware of the internal benefits and the research continues to pile up in its favor. Discussing the future role of the nutraceuticals market in general, he said, “Consumers, especially baby boomers, not only want to live longer but they also want to maintain a better quality of life and I think that is what the nutraceuticals industry offers.”—R.M.W.
Aloecorp
100 Technology Drive
Suite 325
Broomfield, CO 80021
Telephone: 303-635-2200; 800-458-2563
Fax: 303-635-2300
E-mail: jeff@aloecorp.com
Website: www.aloecorp.com
