American essential oils maker sets up shop in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — US-based doTERRA, which makes and distributes essential oils, has invested over $1 million to set up shop in the Philippines to capture opportunities given growing demand for its products.

In the next five to 10 years, the firm is aiming to generate over $100 million worth of sales.

In an interview, doTERRA founding executive Greg Cook said the investment was made to establish an office in the Philippines where the company has seen high demand for its essential oils.

“The people here have been buying our products overseas. They have been hearing about doTERRA and the demand required that we open in the Philippine market. It’s a great market. We are excited to be here because the market potential is significant. People here love essential oils. People here love natural products. People here are looking for business opportunity. So, it turned out to be perfect timing,” he said.

The firm’s Philippine office is located in Makati City and has 13 employees.

Cook said the company, which is engaged in direct selling for the distribution of its products, would want to achieve $10 million worth of sales after the first year of operations.

On average, doTERRA generates $10 million worth of sales a year after it enters a new market. 

“If it would grow very consistently and rapidly, I would say within the next five to 10 years, we would like to be doing over $100 million per year in the Philippines,” Cook said.

As the business grows, he said it is doTERRA’s aim to be among the top direct selling companies in the country.

While there are companies that have used the direct selling scheme for fraud in the Philippines in the past, such has not deterred doTERRA from entering the market as the firm is focused on developing quality products for customers.

Cook said 85 percent of the people who use doTERRA are not interested in business, but simply enjoy using products including lavender which makes it easier for them to sleep at night, as well as lemon which helps detoxify the system and lift their spirits.

In addition, he said doTERRA has a good retention rate, with over 50 percent of individuals who have joined the network since the firm started operations still buying products today.

He also said doTERRA has consumer protection policies in place, allowing full refund for products returned within 30 days, as well as 90 percent refund for items given back within a year. 

To purchase doTERRA products, an individual can either visit the office in Makati or approach a wellness advocate.

To become a wellness advocate or wholesale customer, an individual has to pay a fee amounting to about $25.

Serving as the leader in the market for global aromatherapy and essential oils, doTERRA sources, tests, manufactures and distributes essential oil products to over eight million wellness advocates and customers.