CVT
10/07/2013 12:42
GENERAL
REL: 1242 HRS Comvita Limited
GENERAL: CVT: Claude Stratford Passes On, Leaves Legacy
Queens Service Medal recipient, philanthropist and founder of global natural
health and beauty products company, Comvita, Claude Stratford died today,
aged 102.
Mr. Stratford passed away this morning at his residence in Carter House, Te
Puke, just under six weeks away from what would have been his 103rd birthday.
Mr. Stratford founded Comvita in 1974, at the age of 63, by making and
selling a range of bee products from the basement in his home in Paengaroa in
the Bay of Plenty. From these humble beginnings Comvita has grown into a New
Zealand export success story, generating over $100million annual sales in 18
markets around the world.
Comvita co-founder and non-executive Director Alan Bougen said: "Claude was
an outstanding New Zealander and a pioneer in the health food industry in
this country. He was a man of indomitable spirit and good humour, who has
left a tremendous legacy for the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand. Our thoughts
and prayers are with his family at this time."
Mr. Stratford acquired his first beehive in 1921 at age 11, establishing a
life-long association with beekeeping. His belief in the health-giving
properties of bee and other natural plant products contributed to numerous
innovations in natural health science.
Mr. Stratford's achievements in addition to his successes with Comvita are
many. He was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in 1999 for his service to the
community.
In 2005, at the age of 95, he was a finalist in the national Ernst & Young
Entrepreneur of the Year Award. And in 2010, to celebrate his 100th birthday,
a scholarship in his name was established in association with the Institute
for Innovation in Biotechnology at The University of Auckland. The
scholarship is for a PhD student studying a topic related to natural health
products.
Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett said Mr. Stratford's pioneering spirit, his
humanitarian values and his commitment to natural remedies and human health
are still the cornerstone of Comvita today.
"Claude spent his life bringing the health benefits offered by nature to
people in New Zealand and around the world. He has been, and will continue to
be, an inspiration to us all. We express our deep condolences to his family."
#ENDS#
For further information, please contact:
Comvita CEO, Brett Hewlett 021 740 160
Comvita Chairman, Neil Craig 021 731 509
Corporate Communications Manager, Julie Chadwick 021 510 693.
About Comvita (www.comvita.co.nz)
Comvita is an international natural health and beauty company committed to
the development of innovative products, backed by credible scientific
research. We are the global leader in Manuka (leptospermum) honey and
fresh-picked Olive Leaf Extract, which are at the core of the Comvita product
range. We have more than 35,000 beehives under contract and direct control
with more than 5000 producing specialist medical-grade Manuka honey.
Comvita's Olive Leaf Extract is grown, harvested, extracted and bottled at
the world's largest specialised olive leaf grove, with over 580,000 olive
trees.
Comvita sells into more than 18 countries through a network of wholesale and
third-party outlets and online. We have offices in New Zealand, Australia,
Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
End CA:00238426 For:CVT Type:GENERAL Time:2013-07-10 12:42:18
