Your Guide to the Top Nutrition Companies in the World 

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While nutrition and good health go hand in hand, our diet might lack the nutrients the body needs to function. That’s where the world’s top nutrition companies step in, bridging the nutritional gap and helping you live well and long. These companies research, develop, and market supplements, dietary plans, and more to help you meet your health and wellness goals. 

As per Precedence Research, the global human nutrition market was USD 383.4 billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 719.69 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.50%. Accounting for 40% of revenue share, North America is the biggest market while Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing. The report highlighted probiotics as the leading segment.

Nutrition Companies: Market Growth Drivers

Grand View Research links the human nutrition market’s growth to heightened health consciousness post-pandemic. Awareness of balanced nutrition, easy access to dietary supplementation, and increasing disposable income are the other contributing factors. 

Some studies attribute the growth to the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, the growing aging population, advancements in food technology, the expanding fitness and wellness industry, and the increasing popularity of personalized nutrition solutions. 

Top Nutrition Companies in the World

Now that the nitty-gritty of the nutrition market is out of the way, it is time to explore 10 of the top nutrition companies in the world. Worldlywiser factored in all that matters to offer unbiased, authentic, and evidence-based rankings. We dug into official brand websites, market research reports, industry publications, social media, review websites, and consumer surveys to rank the World Number One nutrition company.  

1. Herbalife Nutrition: World’s No. 1 Nutrition Company

  • Founded: 1980 (43 years ago)
  • Founder: Mark R. Hughes
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
  • Revenue: US$5.54 Billion (as of 2020)
  • Number of Employees: 8,900+ (as of 2018)

It is not for nothing that Euromonitor International Ltd. ranked Herbalife Nutrition as the World No. 1 nutrition company. The nutrition company sold 1.8 billion servings and 82 million canisters of protein shakes worldwide in 2022. As of 2023, it runs 65 thousand nutrition clubs globally, almost double the number of Starbucks outlets. 

Herbalife Nutrition is a team of 300+ doctors, dietitians, and scientists that develops and markets weight management, nutritional supplements, and personal care products. The products are a result of elaborate research and testing, making them effective and safe to use. 

Herbalife Nutrition relies on direct selling (MLM), selling exclusively through trained independent distributors. As the need for middlemen is not there, the company can restrict distribution costs, and maximize profits. Consumers, in turn, get personalized recommendations and tailored solutions.

Brand Ambassador: Christiano Ronaldo 

2. Nestle Health Science: World’s No. 1 Nutrition Company By Revenue

  • Founded: 2011 (12 years ago)
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland
  • Revenue: USD 17.4 Billion (as of 2022) 
  • Number of Employees: 12,000 (as of 2023) 

As one of the top nutrition companies in the world, Nestle Health Science offers a vast selection of science-based consumer care, medical nutrition, and pharmaceutical therapies. Powered by 12,000 employees, the Swiss company has a strong presence in 140 countries and raked in 15.68 billion Swiss francs worldwide (17.392569 billion USD) in sales in 2022. That makes it the World No 1 nutrition company in terms of sales.  

As per Nestle Investor Seminar 2022, Nestlé Health Science’s US market share rose from 27.8% in 2020 to 31.1% in H1 2022. Its parent company, Nestle enjoys a market cap of $290.66 billion, ranking it as the 25th most valuable company globally according to CompaniesMarketCap’s data. Nestle’s other popular brands include Maggi noodles, the biggest noodle brand in India.   

The company spends generously on research and development to come up with safe and effective products for all. Its focus categories include food allergies, metabolic health, gastrointestinal health, healthy aging, and adult acute care. The company’s focus is on all three aspects of health – prevention, maintenance, and treatment.

Specialties: 

Consumer care Medical nutrition Nutritional Therapies Microbiome
Healthy Aging Food Allergy Pediatrics Oncology
Acute Care Drugs Gut Health Brain Health
Obesity Metabolic Health

3. Abbott Laboratories: Top Nutrition Companies by Market Cap

  • Founded: 1888 (135 years ago)  
  • Founder: Wallace Calvin Abbott
  • Headquarters: Abbott Park, Illinois, US
  • Revenue: USD 43.7 billion (as of 2022)
  • Number of employees: 115,000 (as of 2022)

Formerly Abbott Alkaloidal Company, Abbott Laboratories (ABT) is one of the leaders in the global healthcare industry with a market share of 6.97% as of 2023. The company’s market cap of USD 161.38 Billion makes it the world’s 62nd most valuable company by market cap, as per CompaniesMarketCap

ABT serves 160 countries with a 115,000-strong workforce, offering branded generic medicines, medical devices, diagnostics assays, and nutritionals. The company offers a wide range of science-based nutrition products that support growth for kids, strength for adults, and nutrition for those with chronic illnesses. Millions globally rely on ABT’s segment-leading nutrition brands, including 

ABT Nutrition Brands  

Similac PediaSure Pedialyte Ensure
ZonePerfect Glucerna Juven  Nepro

4. Nature’s Sunshine Products: Top Nutrition Companies 

  • Founded: 1972 (51 years ago) 
  • Founders: Gene & Kristine Hughes
  • Headquarters: Lehi, Utah (United States) 
  • Revenue: US$ 324.705 million (as of 2015)
  • Number of employees: 901 (as of 2015) 

When Gene and Kristine started encapsulating capsicum in their home kitchen little did they know they were laying the foundation of one of the top nutrition companies in the world. Founded in 1972, Nature’s Sunshine Products (NSP) is worth $0.33B as of Oct 30, 2023

NSP manufactures a line of more than 800 unique formulas in categories, such as immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care, weight management, and general health. The company employs the MLM model where independent distributors sell products directly to consumers for commissions and bonuses. 

NSP consists of two subsidiaries, Nature’s Sunshine and Synergy Worldwide. Together, they serve Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. The company has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Utah that rolls out 85% of the company’s nutritional and personal care products

5. Amway 

  • Founded: Nov 1959 (63 years ago)
  • Founder: Richard DeVos & Jay Van Andel
  • Headquarters: Ada, Michigan, United States
  • Revenue: USD 8.9 billion (as of 2022)
  • Number of Employees: 15,000 (as of 2022) 

Amway’s global sales of around $8.1 billion as of 2022 make it one of the top nutrition companies and the world’s largest multi-level marketing company by revenue. In 2021, the sales were even higher, $8.9 billion. The company’s sister concern, Alticor, raked up $8.9 billion in sales in 2019

Even Forbes placed Amway in the 42nd spot in its list of the largest privately held companies in the United States in 2018. Nutrilite, the world’s best-selling vitamin & dietary supplement brand, is Amway’s subsidiary that accounts for 50% of global sales. 

Amway (short for “American Way“) produces and sells health, beauty, and home care products. The selling happens via a network of independent distributors and affiliated companies in over 100 countries. China is Amway’s biggest market followed by Korea, the US, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and India.     

The No. 1 nutrition company in the world in the MLM segment, Amway offers nutrition products, including Vitamins and Supplements, Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, Energy Drinks, Wellness Needs, and more. According to the official website, nutrition products account for 52% of its total sales. 

6. Forever Living Products: Top Nutrition Companies 

  • Founded: 1978 (45 years ago) 
  • Founder: Rex Maughan
  • Headquarters: Arizona, United States
  • Revenue: $4bn (as of 2022)
  • Number of employees: 4100 (as of 2006)

Another Multi-level Marketing company makes it to our list of the world’s top nutrition companies with a revenue of USD 4 Billion and a 4100-strong workforce. Founded in 1980 by Rex Maughan, the company is the world’s largest grower, manufacturer, and distributor of aloe vera products. The company claims to serve 160+ countries through 9.3 million distributors, making it one of the largest MLM companies globally.  

However, the company has drawn criticism for its pyramid scheme. Herein, the members get payments for enrolling others, not through investments or product sales. As recruitment grows, profit becomes impossible, leaving most members at a loss.

Products

Immune Health Drinks Bee Products Nutritional
Weight Management Skin Care Personal Care Essential Oils

Subsidiaries

Aloe Vera of America Forever Aloe Plantations Forever Nutraceutical

Suggested Reading: Top Pasta Brands in India

7. GNC Holdings Inc

  • Founded: 1935; 88 years ago
  • Founder: David Shakarian
  • Headquarters: Pennsylvania, United States
  • Revenue: USD 2.5 Billion (as of 2022)  
  • Number of locations: 2,281 U.S. stores (as of 2022)
  • Parent: Harbin Pharmaceutical Group (2020–present)

GNC is one of the world’s top nutrition companies in the retail segment with an annual revenue of USD 2.5 billion and 16,800 employees, resulting in a revenue-per-employee ratio of $151,190

The Pennsylvania-based company retails health, wellness, and performance products through 2281 outlets and e-commerce stores globally. These include exclusive GNC products alongside well-known third-party brands.

Founded in 1935 by David Shakarian, GNC has been a subsidiary of Harbin Pharmaceutical Group, a Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer, since 2020.

Products

Protein Performance Supplements Weight Management Supplements Wellness Supplements
Herbs & Greens Vitamins Health & Beauty Food & Drink 

8. Shaklee Corporation

  • Founded: 1956 (57 years ago)
  • Founder: Forrest C. Shaklee
  • Headquarters: Pleasanton, California
  • Revenue: USD 1.86 Billion (as of 2023)
  • Number of Employees: 3,130 (as of 2023) 

Forrest C. Shaklee, an Iowa-based nutritionist came up with the first multivitamin “Shaklee’s Vitalized Minerals” in 1915. In 1956, he founded the Shaklee Corporation and started selling organic, biodegradable cleaning products. As of 2023, the company is one of the top nutrition companies with a revenue of USD 1.86 Billion and 3,130 employees

Shaklee Corporation has a presence in Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan. In 2018, it winded up its operations in Mexico. The company direct-sells natural nutrition supplements, weight-management products, beauty products, and household products. The products exceed US Pharmacopeia standards, supported by 100+ patents and papers. They even come with a no-questions-asked 100% money-back guarantee.

Product Categories:   

Nutrition Weight Management Beauty Household

9. Usana Health Sciences Inc.

  • Founded: 1992 (31 years ago)  
  • Founder: Myron Wentz
  • Headquarters: Utah, United States
  • Revenue: USD 1.186 Billion (as of 2021)
  • Number of Employees: 1,978 (as of 2021)

With 490 thousand active customers in 24 countries and USD 998.6M annual net sales, Usana Health Sciences walks into our list of the world’s top nutrition companies. Based in Utah, the company offers nutritional supplements, healthy foods, and personal care products. The selling is done via MLM, directly to associates and preferred customers. 

Each Usana product undergoes six stages: research, formulation, clinical trials, manufacturing, quality control, and validation. The idea is to uphold quality standards from concept to delivery. 

It is a member of the Direct Selling Association and the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations and one of the select few direct-selling companies to be publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. 

Product Categories: 

Nutritional Supplements Weight Management Energy Personal Care

10. Nu Skin

  • Founded: 1984 (39 years ago) 
  • Founders: Blake Roney, Steven J. Lund, Sandie Tillotson, Nedra Roney
  • Headquarters: Provo, Utah, United States 
  • Revenue: US$2.68 billion (as of 2018)
  • Number of Employees: 4,900 (as of 2018)

As one of the top nutrition companies, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. generates about USD 2.68 billion in revenue from 54 markets through a network of 1.2 million distributors. The company burst onto the scene in 1984 in Utah and branched out to Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific in the mid-90s. 

By 1996, it was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and two years later acquired Generation Health, the company that owned the dietary supplement brand Pharmanex. The company also acquired stakes in Big Planet, a multilevel marketing provider for Internet services. 

Nu Skin develops and sells products in four categories, Men’s Health, Multi-Vitamins, Targeted Wellness, and Weight Management. Sales occur through the MLM model, with the company paying 43% of its product revenue in sales compensation. Forbes named Nu Skin among America’s Best Employers for 2022 and the World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies for 2021

Nutrition Solutions:

Bone & Joint Health Brain & Memory Energy & Stamina
Heart Health Immunity Support Nail Skin & Hair Health
Women’s Health

Conclusion

With that, we draw curtains on our list of the world’s top nutrition companies. These companies continue to shape the way we approach beauty, health, and wellness. They invest heavily in research and development to come up with products and services to help us achieve health goals. From groundbreaking supplements to personalized meal plans, these nutrition companies support different needs in different ways. Their innovations are bringing the world a step closer to a healthier future.

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