Milestones-new

Milestones

1930

The herb that started it all

Riding through the forests of Burma (Myanmar), our founder, Mr. M. Manal, noticed restless elephants being fed the root of a plant that seemed to have a calming effect on them. The plant was Rauwolfia Serpentina. Fascinated by the plant's effect on elephants, he had it scientifically evaluated and found that it possessed antihypertensive properties.

He decided to make herbal tablets in a quest to contemporize Ayurveda and make it relevant to modern society.

1930

Himalaya opens our first office in Dehradun

Himalaya opened our first office in the picturesque city of Dehradun at the foothills of the Himalayas in North India.

1934

Reason to stay herbal

Himalaya launched Serpina®, the world's first natural antihypertensive drug. Serpina® was the powdered whole root of the plant Rauwolfia Serpentina rather than an isolated fraction. This convinced Mr. Manal of the benefits of well-researched herbal medicines based on plants.

1943

Another breakthrough product

Cystone, a herbomineral formulation, specifically developed for the management of urolithiasis or renal calculi, was introduced in the market in 1943.

1950

A doctor with a difference

Dr. Roshan Captain joined Himalaya in 1950 as the Head of Research and Development. Dr. Captain put together Himalaya's first research team.

1955

Long live Liv.52!

The year 1955 saw the launch of Liv.52, a hepatoprotective, which soon became Himalaya's flagship brand. Six decades later, Liv.52 has defied standard product cycles and continues to be a top seller!

1960

Septilin is launched

Septilin®, a clinically tested polyherbal immunomodulator, was launched in 1960. Septilin® has undergone extensive scientific studies with more than 100 clinical studies establishing its safety and efficacy as an herbal solution to manage various infections.

1964

Meraj Manal, the founder's son, joins the company.

Meraj Manal joined Himalaya in 1964, and for a year, worked in the manufacturing department or the "shop floor". A chemistry/botany graduate, he understood the structure of plants and chemicals in the laboratory. This hands-on experience proved invaluable to him.

1965

From chemistry to marketing: Meraj Manal takes charge of marketing.

For nine years, Meraj Manal worked to grow the business within India. He brought in a renewed sense of energy and infused fresh thinking into the organization. New products were launched, and the business grew steadily.

1975

Move to Bengaluru and Establishment of a Modern Manufacturing Unit

In 1975, Meraj Manal decided to move a part of Himalaya's manufacturing to Bengaluru, India. He believed that the growing business required better infrastructure, and for this, land was crucial.

The advanced manufacturing facility in Makali, Bengaluru, was one of the first herbal manufacturing units in India to be granted a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificate. The facility has expanded into a 28-acre campus. This state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) Center in Bengaluru, India, is ISO-9001: 2008 certified.

1986

Himalaya's founder, Mr. M. Manal, passes away.

Mr. M. Manal passed away in 1986. People close to him remember him as a man whose very presence was inspiring. He was a brilliant mind and a visionary, but above all else, he was a wonderful human being - humble, gentle, giving, and with an amazing sense of humor. His legacy lives on at Himalaya.

1991

Research, research, and more research

In 1991, Himalaya set up a 70,000 square foot modern Research and Development (R&D) Center in Bengaluru, India, providing infrastructure for advanced research in herbal health care. Today, the R&D Center houses high-tech, state-of-the-art laboratories with over 275 research scientists.

1994

DSHEA, a silver lining

In 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Herbal products that conformed to the new rules and regulations were permitted for sale in the US as dietary supplements, but with no claims.

In early 1996, Himalaya launched a range of Dietary Supplements in the United States, marking the beginning of a new era for Himalaya.

1996

The island of Cayman inspires Himalaya's "head-to-heel" product range.

On March 12, 1996, an exclusive Himalaya store was opened in the Cayman Islands. Over time, customers visiting the store asked for shampoos, creams, soaps, and lotions. Himalaya's research team developed need-based personal care products for the store's customers, a decision that would change the face of the company in the years to come.

Himalaya began selling personal care products along with the therapeutic range at the Cayman store. Soon, Himalaya's companion care or pet care range was launched.

1996

Reaching out to the world

A full-fledged Himalaya office was opened in Houston, Texas.

1996

Himalaya starts operations in global markets.

Subsequently, Himalaya opened offices in Dubai, Singapore, Riga, and Johannesburg.

1998

Making farm animals healthier

After developing a few pet health care products for the Cayman market, in 1998, Himalaya formally launched a range of natural and safe drugs for commercial livestock.

1999

Back to nature: Launch of personal care products

Himalaya entered the personal care space in India, and given Himalaya's credibility in the pharmaceutical space, the range soon gained acceptance. As with the pharmaceutical products, the personal care range was also backed by research.

2000

Shailendra Malhotra joins Himalaya

Shailendra Malhotra is appointed to spearhead Himalaya's Middle East operations.

2000

Setting up the dubai Office

Shailendra set up the Dubai office, and under his leadership, Himalaya became the first Indian pharmaceutical company to be registered with the Ministry of Health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

2000

Himalaya enters new global markets

Himalaya began sales in Netherlands and Italy.

2000

Exclusive Himalaya retail store in India

Himalaya opens the first exclusive retail store in Bangalore, India.

2001

A star is born!

Himalaya introduced Purifying Neem Face Wash, packed with purity and the goodness of natural ingredients, the go-to companion for every adolescent, teenager, and adult facing pimple breakouts.

2001

Himalaya gets a new logo and brand identity!

Himalaya's visual identity underwent a complete change. Himalaya Herbal Healthcare, the new brand name, was represented by a new logo with the earthy colors of teal green and orange.

2001

Expansion in global markets

Himalaya opens an exclusive Himalaya Store in Mongolia.

Himalaya Pharmaceuticals is launched in Kenya and Uganda.

2003

Transforming into a wellness brand

To provide customers internal wellness products, Himalaya launched a range of single herb formulations called Pure Herbs. This range consists of 28 single herb formulas of popular herbs in Ayurveda like Neem, Tulasi, and Amalaki among others, that help maintain overall good health.

The same year, Himalaya set up a new office in Suntec City, in downtown Singapore.

Expanding the personal care portfolio

Himalaya's personal care range was launched in South Africa and Tanzania.

2003

Committed to quality

Himalaya received the prestigious ISO 9001:2000 certification for the design, manufacture, and marketing of herbal health care products.

2003

Expansion of Asia Pacific (APAC) operations

Himalaya started operations in Malaysia.

2004

Natural care for babies

Himalaya entered the BabyCare segment with a range of herbal personal care products. The products offer gentle, safe care for babies.

2004

Entry of Nabeel Manal, the founder's grandson

Nabeel Manal, a third-generation member of Himalaya's founding family, joined Himalaya in 2004 and took responsibility for the Himalaya Americas region in 2006. He was quick to turn around the business by bringing in profitable growth in his very first year with the Company.

Nabeel has been instrumental in putting together a team of passionate professionals to launch the first-ever Himalaya organic product line. He propelled Himalaya to gain significant market share in oral care and the stress/mood categories and spearheaded the construction of a new energy-efficient LEED-Gold Americas headquarters. Nabeel pushed forward Himalaya's presence in natural product chains, major grocery stores, pharmacies, and online merchants. Under his leadership, Himalaya's points of sale in the US have risen from 2,000 to 12,000.

Nabeel spent six years with Aon Hewitt, a consulting firm, as an Analyst and Senior Consultant, before joining Himalaya in 2004.

Nabeel holds a degree in Finance and Marketing from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

2005

Global expansion

With Dubai emerging as a prominent market, Himalaya RUMEA (Russia, Middle East, Asia) headquarters was shifted to Dubai Airport Free Zone.

2006

Eco-consciousness

Himalaya received the ISO 14001:2004 certification - the most recognized standard, globally, for environment management, from the National Quality Assurance (NQA), UK.

2006

Himalaya store opened in Malaysia

An exclusive Himalaya store was inaugurated at KLCC (Petronas Towers) in March 2006.

2007

Philipe Haydon: CEO, India

Philipe Haydon created new strategic business units to support Himalaya’s entry into new market segments and the launch of new products, such as BabyCare, Himalaya MEN and Himalaya for MOMs. He revitalized our heritage brands like Liv.52 and Cystone and grew the BabyCare business to second place.

2008

Expansion on!

With a focus on Eastern Europe and South Africa, Himalaya started operations in Riga, Latvia, and Africa.

2009

Certified Good Laboratory Practices

Himalaya was granted the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) certificate, confirming compliance with international guidelines laid down by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Principles of Good Laboratory Practices and Norms.

2009

Presence in Philippines

The company also expanded the APAC business by setting up an office in The Philippines.

2009

Botanique by Himalaya

A new line of body care products, Botanique by Himalaya®, was launched in the United States. Botanique received the prestigious Whole Foods Premium Body Care Certification, the highest mark of quality and cleanliness in personal care products.

A range of 24 single herb formulations, of which 19 are organically certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), was also launched.

2010

GMP compliant plant

Himalaya's manufacturing facility in Bengaluru was approved for compliance with WHO-cGMP (World Health Organization-current Good Manufacturing Practices).

2010

Operations in Indonesia

Himalaya's Indonesian operations commenced in the year 2010.

2012

Expanding into Egypt

This year witnessed Himalaya's foray into Egypt.

2012

Expansion in The Americas

Himalaya set up a new office in Sugar Land, Texas. The seven-acre campus is LEED Gold Certified, a benchmark of environmentally conscious construction and sustainable operation.

2012

Saket Gore appointed as CEO, APAC

Saket Gore was appointed as CEO – Asia Pacific to launch and expand the Company's presence in Asia. Himalaya products are now available in 18 countries across Asia.

2012

An all-new avatar for face washes

Himalaya adopted a blow-molded technology, a first of its kind globally, for face wash tubes. This packaging and design innovation was one of the key milestones that helped the brand attain leadership in the category.

2013

Expansion of operations

The company expanded the RUMEA business to Pakistan.

The APAC operations were expanded by starting the Hong Kong office.

The Middle East operations achieved a significant milestone by manufacturing Himalaya products in Dubai.

2014

Himalaya sets up a Global Research Centre.

The Company established Himalaya Global Research Centre (HGRC) at Dubai Science Park.

2014

Shailendra Malhotra takes on the role of Global CEO.

Shailendra Malhotra was promoted as Global CEO consolidating all regions.

2014

Transforming from shampoo to a complete hair care solution

Himalaya introduced an enhanced formulation, benefit-driven architecture, building synergy within hair care categories, to provide an end-to-end-solution for healthy hair. Packaging and graphic renovation helped build a strong hair care portfolio with The Promise of Healthy Hair!

2016

Himalaya unveils a new logo

A new logo, "Himalaya Since 1930", was introduced to create a unifying global identity that communicates to the consumers around the world credibility and trust with a rich legacy.

2016

Wings far and wide

Himalaya commenced operations at the Himalaya store in Mexico.

The company also set up a facility in Bangladesh to manufacture face washes to reduce time to market and improve supply chain efficiency.

This year also witnessed start of operations in Myanmar.

2017

Emphasis on local manufacturing

Focusing on the local manufacturing of Himalaya products in Europe, operations shifted from Latvia to Warsaw, Poland.

2017

Store expansion

Himalaya opened an exclusive retail store in Thailand.

2018

Himalaya's first equity campaign

Building a unique proposition for Himalaya in the fast-growing herbal segment and unifying our vast portfolio of over 500 products under a single Brand philosophy, Himalaya launched an equity campaign bringing alive the brand vision of "Wellness in every Home, Happiness in every Heart".

Himalaya attained the position of the 10th "Most Trusted Brand" in Personal Care in the Brand Equity Survey by The Economic Times, India.

2018

Store in Singapore

An exclusive Himalaya store is opened in Singapore.

2019

More footprints across India!

The Company widened its retail presence through over 300 stores in India.

2019

Focus on expanding manufacturing

This year witnessed the setting up of a manufacturing facility in South Korea.

2019

Adherence to processes

The Company was awarded the SA 688086b Certification for Social Accountability System by BSI, London.

2019

Entry of Sufiyan Manal, the founder’s grandson

Mr. Sufiyan Manal, the founder’s grandson, joins the company.

2020

Setting up of manufacturing base in other hubs

The Company set up a manufacturing facility in Thailand.

2020

Himalaya presence at DIFC

Himalaya opens a retail store at DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre).

2021

A symbol of pride in the Cayman Islands! 25 years in the making...

Himalaya House, the home of Himalaya Global Holdings, opens in Cayman and commemorates the birth of our first direct retail store in 1996 and our journey into personal care product development.

It is fitting that Himalaya House is the location of the largest Himalaya retail store in the world today!

2022

Building a Research and Development Centre in Dubai.

We have established a state-of-the-art Himalaya Global Research Center at Dubai Science Park with a built-up area of 55,000 sq. ft, accommodating 100+ scientists and focused on developing herbal-based Pharmaceutical and Personal Care products.

The facility also houses the Consumer Experience Center, a first for Himalaya, well equipped to welcome consumers to test and evaluate Himalaya products across various categories, so as to deliver the best and safest products.

2022

New Manufacturing Facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka, India

Himalaya has set up a new manufacturing facility in Tumakuru, 72 kilometers away from our Makali campus. The facility has a GMP-compliant formulation unit that meets global standards. The formulation unit will manufacture herbal pharmaceutical products like Liv. 52 DS tablets, Liv.52 Syrup, Cystone tablets, Pilex tablets, and Septilin tablets.