–Establishment of international office will promote quality assurance and availability of dietary supplements to Chinese market–

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (July 15, 2006) – The Natural Products Association (formerly the National Nutritional Foods Association) is pleased to announce the opening of a branch office in Beijing, China. Dietary supplement sales are expected to grow to more than $10 billion within the next few years in China, and establishment of a physical presence there will better assist the U.S. companies that hope to export their products to this booming marketplace. 

“The Natural Products Association has long recognized that a strong international presence is beneficial for our membership and the industry," said Randy Dennin, chairman of the Natural Products Association China. "We are committed to facilitating trade among nations and have a strong stake in maintaining high standards for product quality, both domestically and internationally.”

Heading the newly established office is Jeff Crowther, who comes to the association with years of experience with dietary supplement trade in the China marketplace. In his position as director representative of the Natural Products Association China, Crowther will serve as a resource to members about exporting dietary supplements to China. Crowther and his office will also work to establish relationships with government and agency officials to educate them about the benefits that can accrue to both the fiscal and physical health of China with appropriately liberalized standards. The office will work closely with the Natural Products Association in the United States in organizing annual trade missions and will act as a liaison to visiting dietary supplement companies looking to do business in China.

Establishment of the Natural Products Association China is not the first venture of the association overseas, nor its first in an Asian marketplace. In 1998, NNFA Japan was established with a goal similar to the Natural Product Association China’s. Although NNFA Japan was built on a different business model, as it operates independently and its members include all businesses operating in the Japanese marketplace, the aim to obtain consumer and industry-friendly regulations is the same.

“It’s great to see the Natural Products Association’s China initiative reach this milestone,” said David Seckman, executive director and CEO of the Natural Products Association. “Experience has demonstrated that the combination of a trusted in-country contact who is both familiar with the local marketplace and has established relationships with key officials are imperative to entering and thriving in China.”

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The Natural Products Association (formerly NNFA) ( www.NaturalProductsAssoc.org ) is the nation's largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. The association represents more than 9,600 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products including foods, dietary supplements, and health and beauty aids. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Natural Products Association also has a national West coast office in California and seven regional offices throughout the United States. The association is governed by a 22-member board of directors representing all segments of industry.