Wakunaga of America, Co., Ltd. (Mission Viejo, CA) has announced that it is celebrating 50 years in business.
Wakunaga first introduced its flagship product, Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (AGE), to America in 1972. Initially developed by scientist Dr. Eugene Schnell and banker Mr. Manji Wakunaga in post-World War II Japan, today’s AGE begins with organic garlic grown in California. Once harvested the garlic is cleaned and sliced, it is naturally aged for up to 20 months, without any added heat. This unique aging process converts the garlic’s harsh and unstable organosulfur properties into the bioavailable, beneficial compounds distinguishing Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract from other garlic products on the market, the company stated.
This aging process for garlic isn’t the only factor that sets Wakunaga apart from other supplements, according to the company. “When my grandfather, Manji Wakunaga, founded Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Company in Osaka, Japan in 1955, his goal was to produce the highest-quality supplements that were backed by scientific evidence and proven safe and effective,” noted the company’s President, Kanji Wakunaga. “An additional tenet of his was that all products would be marketed using truthful advertising, absent of outlandish marketing claims.” Today, these founding principles continue to guide the mission of Wakunaga of America.
Wakunaga’s commitment to truthful advertising and solid science is evidenced by more than 900 published scientific papers from prestigious universities and research institutes around the world confirming a wide range of AGE’s health benefits. To maximize these benefits, Wakunaga has paired AGE with other herbs and nutrients to create a number of dietary supplements designed to support many aspects of wellness.
Wakunaga was also one of the first dietary supplement companies to offer a unique powdered green drink mix under the Kyo-Green brand name in 1988. That same year, the company launched Kyo-Dophilus Probiotics featuring its proprietary “Friendly Trio” blend of probiotic strains to enhance gut health and support immune function.
“Although the company has experienced tremendous growth over the past 50 years, we have continued to create our uniquely beneficial Aged Garlic Extract using the same traditional aging process developed more than a half a century ago,” says Michael Modjeski, chief commercial officer of Wakunaga of America. “But it’s Wakunaga’s family of employees who should truly be credited with the company’s success. Their dedication and talents, along with their commitment to helping people achieve better health have enabled Wakunaga to thrive. We look forward to the next 50 years of empowering consumers to attain and maintain good health with our quality, science-backed supplements.”
Fiftieth anniversary events planned throughout 2022 include new product launches, retailer and consumer promotions, and other celebratory activities. The company will also sponsor a special sweepstakes with monthly prizes.
For more information, visit www.kyolic.com.
