Comvita was established in the 1970's in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, however its origins can be traced back to the early 1920's when founder Claude Stratford, then aged eleven, owned his first beehive. This early introduction led to a lifelong interest in beekeeping and nutritional philosophies based on natural health.
Claude, now in his nineties, is living testimony to the health giving powers and the unique natural resources of the honey bee and he seldom misses an opportunity to promote his message of health and vitality, along with a deep respect for nature.
Today, the company he founded employs more than 100 people who share Claude's dedication to serving customers and friends worldwide by providing high quality natural health care products to enhance health and wellbeing.
In addition to sharing Claude's values and passion for healthy life principles, those following in his footsteps are committed to retaining his original philosophy of product quality and purity. Today Comvita's specialist teams work alongside distinguished scientists and research organisations continuing to create safe, effective and chemical free health solutions based on the very best of natural ingredients.
In 2005 at the age of 95, Claude became a finalist for an Entrepreneur for the Year award for the Bay of Plenty Region. However, it was in the New Zealand Years Honours of 1999 that Claude received the most official recognition of his contributions. He was presented, in perhaps his proudest moment, a Queen's Service Medal for his Service to the Community at New Zealand's Government House