16th February 2023: Link Natural Products (Pvt.) Ltd, a leading manufacturer of herbal products has announced the debut of its flagship brand and iconic herbal drink Link Samahan at Costco Wholesale stores in Japan.
Importantly, with the launch, Link Natural has achieved another milestone in its growing international journey.
Costco Wholesale is an American multinational corporation and as of 2022, was the fifth largest retailer in the world. Costco was also ranked Number 11 on the Fortune 500 listings of the largest United States corporations by total revenues.
Elaborating on the Japan debut, Dr. Nugawela, Chairman, Link Natural Products stated, “We are extremely excited to launch our flagship brand at Costco Wholesale in Japan. Presently recognised as the world’s fifth largest supermarket chain, Costco’s high-quality product portfolio, now includes Link Samahan setting stage to compete among the best brands in the world.”
Dr. Nugawela added, “Acceptance by Costco is a testimony of our compliance adhering to the most stringent quality standards. It is not only a great honour for our brand but also an immensely proud moment for our nation. Costco’s inclusion will undoubtedly strengthen our journey of transforming into a trusted global herbal supplement brand.”
Link Natural’s flagship brand Link Samahan is a 100% natural herbal drink, formulated with 14 trusted ayurvedic herbs used traditionally throughout generations as an effective remedy for symptoms associated with catarrh and the common cold.
Link Samahan was first launched in 1995 and for nearly three decades has become a trusted household brand in Sri Lanka. Gaining international reach, Link Samahan is also exported across 30 countries globally with Europe, USA, India, Middle East, and Japan among its main destinations.
Link Natural’s Yokohama based distributor, Krishantha Pathmaperuma, Chairman Ceylon Family Co. Ltd. said, “There is a growing interest for herbal products among Japanese consumers. However, Japanese food safety regulations are comprehensively enforced and only products that meet rigorous quality requirements are allowed into the market. Today, asserting the strength of our brand, Link Samahan is gaining popularity among Japanese consumers.”
Mari Ro, Marketing Executive, Ceylon Family Co. Ltd noted, “We were delighted to see the Costco team’s interest in Samahan. With the launch, the product is available in 31 Costco stores across Japan including Tokyo and Osaka. Catering to consumer interest, Samahan is already available in mainstream chain retailers such as Kaldi Coffee Shops, and the Aeon Mall.”
Link Natural takes great care throughout the value chain to provide consumers with best quality products. All herbal raw materials are carefully sourced, and quality is assured using advanced technologies. The company’s farmer out-grower programs work closely with the growers to ensure high-standard herbs. Through the program the company has been able to cultivate herbs systematically following Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) delivering high quality herbal raw materials.
The quality of raw materials, intermediate products and finished products are tested at Link Natural’s Quality Assurance Laboratory fitted with state-of-the-art equipment. Samples from every batch are analyzed to ensure the product complies with internationally accepted stringent quality requirements.
“Currently we are present in diverse markets spread over five continents. Link Samahan is loved by consumers irrespective of the geographies. Introducing our products in Costco Japan is a milestone towards Link Samahan’s journey in becoming a trusted global brand,” said Chamari Wickramathilake, Head of Exports and Regulatory Affairs, Link Natural Products.
Additionally, all manufacturing processes follow Good Manufacturing Practices complying with meticulous food safety requirements. Link Natural’s manufacturing facility is certified for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO45001, ISO 50001, HACCP, GMP and FSSC 2200 standards.