US. Origins Natural Resources, part of The Estée Lauder Cos, will unveil what it describes as a “new wellness-focused product line” at the end of this year, following the signing of a multi-year agreement with leading integrative medicine leader Andrew Weil MD.
Origins confirmed to The Moodie Report that the Dr Weil line should be available in the travel retail channel as of spring 2006.
The partnership establishes Dr Weil – also a medical botany specialist and best-selling author – as both a product development collaborator and a spokesperson for the brand.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I have personally been a fan and follower of Dr Weil for many years, so I am particularly proud of this partnership,” commented Origins Natural Resources President Daria Myers.
“He completely embodies and practices the core principles of the Origins brand – celebrating the healing power of plants as they relate to wellness inside and out. And his uncompromised dedication to the concept of fusing Eastern and Western healing ideals and integrative wellness approaches is true inspiration for the Origins brand. [Weil] is a pioneer in integrative medicine and we are honoured to form this new relationship for upcoming exciting projects.”
“I am delighted to partner with a respected organisation like Origins who will give consumers access to quality products, allowing them to live healthy, balanced lifestyles,” commented Weil. “To further my mission I will donate all of my after-tax profits from my Origins product line to the Weil Foundation, an independent organisation established to support educational programmes, grants, and research that advance integrative medicine.”
Estée Lauder Companies Group President Philip Shearer added: “In addition to being an internationally-acclaimed physician and respected medical botanist, Dr Weil is truly one of the most recognisable health leaders in the country, if not the world.
“He epitomizes the qualities that so many of the Origins consumers aspire to – wellness and the passionate interest in healthy and natural living for obtaining balance inside and out.”
COMMENT
Under the leadership of Daria Myers, who returned to head the Origins brand in 2003, product development – and diversification – have progressed apace.
Last year came the innovative Cocoa Therapy line, which harnessed the well-being benefits of the cocoa plant and included a range of chocolate bars and hot chocolate developed by renowned French chocolatier Jacques Torres.
And in January Origins signed a licensing agreement with renowned fine jewellery and accessories designer Lisa Jenks. The “Lisa Jenks for Origins” Collection will be launched this autumn in Origins retail stores.
The partnership with Dr Andrew Weil could prove to be a very savvy move – totally in tune with the “medical momentum” that is sweeping the wider cosmetics market, in the form of dermatologist endorsements, while remaining true to the natural Origins philosophy and roots.
Weil could be the key that unlocks Origins’ potential in other complementary sectors, not just fragrances and cosmetics, but eventually herbal remedies, tonics and vitamins too.
MORE INFORMATION ON DR ANDREW WEIL
Weil Lifestyle LLC – an organization founded by Andrew Weil MD and committed to bringing integrative medicine to the forefront of health care – is claimed to be the leading resource for education, information, products, services and philanthropic contributions based on the principles of integrative medicine. Combining a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural health and preventive medicine, Dr Weil provides a unique approach to health care that encompasses body, mind, and spirit. For more information visit www.DrWeil.com.
MORE STORIES ON ORIGINS
Origins changes the face of exfoliation – 14/02/05
Origins signs multi-year fine jewellery and accessories licensing deal – 17/01/05
Origins eyes nocturnal repair segment – 05/01/05
Origins lets its taste shine through – 16/12/04
Origins offers treatment – and treats – as it extols the virtues of cocoa and chocolate – 06/08/04
