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David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School professor who had been working with Shaklee as a member of their scientific advisory board, has quit.

Sinclair’s exit from the company is not entirely shocking as he has been questioned lately regarding his involvement and endorsement of Shaklee’s latest revolutionary product, and anti-aging serum called Vivix which has been touted as the “world’s best anti-aging supplement.” Sinclair has been helping to promote the product since it was introduced in August. The Vivix syrup is said to be a key ingredient to extending life.

The exit from the board comes after being questioned in the past weeks by the Wall Street Journal about the endorsement of the product. Dr. Sinclair now claims that his name has been misused in connection to Vivix and disputes claims that he approved use of his name in its advertising material.

Shaklee, the California based direct sales company claims that they had the full support of Dr. Sinclair with regarding to Vivix, a formula which contains the antioxidant resveratrol which claims to help slow or even halt the aging process. This is a huge blow to Shaklee who for several months has enjoyed the backing of a Harvard professor and reputable doctor, something no direct sales company nowadays has.

Both sides are taking firm stands on the issue, with Harvard Medical School even reviewing Shaklee’s use of Dr. Sinclair’s name as well as any references on the website or in promotional videos of the Harvard name.

Shaklee released a statement saying that “every implied product endorsement was in Dr. Sinclair’s own words and every Shaklee use of his name — whether in print or video — was pre-approved by him in keeping with our agreement.

Shaklee’s grape tasting Vivix is quite pricey, at $100 for 30 teaspoons, which is roughly a month’s supply, and while it is pricey, Shaklee says that there is a huge request for the product which has been purchased by well over 100,00 people since it was introduced, and orders are even backlogged.

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Nu Skin Enterpriseswas honored last week with the China Charity award for the company’s commitment and dedication to helping those in need in China, especially during and after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier in the year.
The award, the most prestigious charity award given in the country, is given by the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs. Hu Jintao, president of the People’s Republic of China, presented the award to Andrew Fan, the President of Nu Skin’s Greater China Region. The award was presented at a special ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing China.

“This year Nu Skin’s culture of giving was demonstrated in numerous ways, particularly in China following the Sichuan earthquake and devastating snow storms,” said Truman Hunt, president and chief executive officer of Nu Skin Enterprises. “We applaud our Greater China staff and sales force who came together to provide quick and significant relief to those affected by disaster. Nu Skin China truly made a difference as they executed on our mission to be a force for good in the world.”

During the last year, Nu Skin donated money and supplies through their Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation, in the tune of almost $5 million dollars. The donations came not only in money, but also in supplies and food needed to rebuild after the earthquake in the Sichuan Region of China. Nu Skin also jumped in to help after a series of devastating snow storms this year that compounded the devastation produced by the earthquake. The money was not only donated by the company, but also by consumers, distributors and employees of the company.

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One of the latest crazes in the health and nutrition category this year has been “healthy chocolate.” Companies large and small are jumping on the bandwagon to provide healthy, nutritious chocolate to calm the cravings of the chocoholics out there who despite their need to change to a healthier lifestyle, don’t want to give up their chocolate fix. Youngevity, the direct selling health and Wellness Company, best known for its nutritional supplements, has announced that they too will jump in the ring and enter into the nutritional chocolate market.

Youngevity, the 12 year old California based company, has just introduced Chocogevity to the market. The new division will sell Tru Chocolate products. The Tru Chocolate products are all natural and healthy, and even come in sugar free variety. The healthy chocolates are infused with beneficial herbs and the company claims they can help support healthy weight loss by calming craving for sweets.

According to the company’s website, Tru Chocolate may be the healthiest and tastiest chocolate ever created. This is a great treat for after the holidays when you’ve overindulged and need to take off a few pounds without giving up everything you love. You can check out the chocolate as well as learn more about the product as well as how you can benefit from eating and selling it at www.truchocolate.com

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The Tupperware Brands Corporation  has just been given an impressive award honoring the company’s success in developing a brand that has become one of the most iconic brands of the last century. The company was recognized specifically for its achievements in India, China and Indonesia, by Superbrands, Business Week and Hers Magazines.

Superbrands, a publication that recognizing exceptional brands in over 80 countries, complemented the plastic organizational good company for their dedication and commitment to providing quality products and services in the Indian Market.

Hers Magazine recognized Tupperware for its growth in China as well as naming it the top company in the kitchen tools category in the annual, “Quality of Life:2008 Top 100 Women’s Favorite Brands” survey. Tupperware beat out over 500 international and local brands to capture top honors.
In addition to honors in India and China, Tupperware was recognized in Indonesia by Business Week, being voted “Company with the Best Corporate Image” in the Direct Selling category in an annual consumer survey.

In all of the above surveys and honors, Tupperware was recognized the quality of the products they sell as well as dedication to social causes, performance of the company and attractiveness of products as well as opportunity the company provides.

Tupperware CEO and Chairman, Rick Goings, was thrilled with the honors, especially since Tupperware is relatively new in these markets. “Tupperware has grown tremendously in several global markets, including India, China and Indonesia and it’s an honor to be recognized for our success from some of the most prestigious organizations throughout the world. It’s still early innings for us in these emerging markets, but the brand is already recognized and respected, which is incredibly encouraging.”

“These awards demonstrate that the power of our Tupperware brand continues to expand globally. It is one of the things enabling us to grow so quickly in the 50% of our business that is now coming from emerging market economies,” said Rick Goings. “We’re looking forward to further strengthening the Tupperware brand in the future throughout the international community.”

Popularity: 4% [?]