The Journey of the Doctor's Best Brand
Founded in 1990 by a physician dedicated to science-based alternative healthcare, Doctor’s Best began with a focus on nutritional supplements backed by research. The brand aimed to offer high-quality products to support a healthier lifestyle and became known for using quality raw materials and providing scientific details about its offerings. Based in California, the company now distributes a wide range of products globally.
Early Ownership and Growth
Before its current ownership, Doctor's Best was acquired in 2014 by North Castle Partners, a private-equity firm focused on health and wellness, which facilitated the brand's growth.
The 2016 Acquisition by Xiamen Kingdomway Group Co.
A significant change occurred in June 2016 when North Castle Partners sold Doctor's Best Inc. to Xiamen Kingdomway Group Co.. Xiamen Kingdomway Group is a publicly listed Chinese biotechnology company specializing in pharmaceutical raw materials and dietary supplements. This acquisition integrated Doctor's Best into a larger, global organization.
Understanding Xiamen Kingdomway Group Co.
Xiamen Kingdomway Group Co., based in Xiamen, China, is a publicly traded high-tech enterprise since 2011, primarily manufacturing pharmaceutical ingredients and dietary supplements. The acquisition of brands like Doctor’s Best helps Kingdomway expand its market reach, especially in the U.S. and internationally. This partnership was intended to provide resources for further growth.
Recent Developments Under Kingdomway Ownership
Under Xiamen Kingdomway Group, Doctor's Best has continued to grow its product portfolio. For instance, in June 2024, the company acquired the Viactiv® brand of calcium and magnesium chews, indicating a focus on expanding its offerings and distribution. The parent company also plans for Doctor’s Best to introduce new products in the Chinese market, including those targeting anti-aging.
Doctor's Best's Quality and Manufacturing Standards
Doctor’s Best maintains that it upholds its commitment to high-quality, science-based products. The company states its products are manufactured in Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certified facilities located within the United States. This is important for consumers seeking quality control. The brand also continues to use high-quality, often branded, ingredients for potency and effectiveness.
A Commitment to Science-Based Nutrition
- Ingredient Sourcing: The brand emphasizes using high-quality, often clinically-proven, branded ingredients.
- Manufacturing Standards: Products are manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities to ensure quality.
- Product Testing: Testing is conducted to confirm purity, potency, and safety.
- Dietary Preferences: Options are available for various dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, or non-GMO.
Comparing Ownership Phases: A Snapshot
| Feature | Original Ownership (Pre-2014) | North Castle Partners (2014-2016) | Xiamen Kingdomway Group (2016-Present) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Physician-founded, emphasis on research and quality. | Private equity growth phase; expanded market reach. | Global expansion and resource consolidation under a large biotech parent. |
| Parent Company | Independent company founded by physicians. | North Castle Partners, a U.S. private equity firm. | Xiamen Kingdomway Group Co., a Chinese publicly traded firm. |
| Acquisitions | Few to none recorded during this period. | Focused on growth and market consolidation. | Acquired Viactiv brand in 2024 to expand portfolio. |
| Market Strategy | Primarily U.S. market, building a reputation for science. | Increased retail and distribution partnerships. | Global scale leveraging parent company's resources, with targeted expansion in markets like China. |
| Product Development | Research-driven formula development. | Maintained science-based approach. | Continues science-based approach, adds new products aligned with parent company's focus. |
The Verdict on Nutrition Diet and the Doctor's Best Brand
The ownership change of Doctor's Best reflects consolidation in the global supplement industry. The brand asserts that its focus on science and quality remains unchanged, with manufacturing still occurring in U.S. cGMP-certified facilities. Kingdomway provides resources and a global network, enabling Doctor's Best to expand its reach and product lines, like the Viactiv acquisition. While the corporate structure has changed, the brand's emphasis on science-backed supplements and using branded, clinically-studied ingredients continues, aligning with its founding principles.
For more details on a recent acquisition, see the press release on the Doctor's Best website: Doctor's Best Inc. Acquires Viactiv® Brand.
Conclusion
Doctor's Best brand is owned by Xiamen Kingdomway Group Co., a Chinese biotechnology firm that acquired the company in 2016. However, Doctor's Best operates as a U.S. subsidiary, maintaining its commitment to science-based, high-quality nutritional supplements produced in U.S. cGMP-certified facilities. This structure combines the brand's history of quality with the resources of a global parent company, supporting continued innovation and expansion in the health and wellness market.
