Mannatech expands European operations

US direct sellers of supplements are expanding operations in Europe, despite Europeans' skepticism of this sales channel.

Texas-based Mannatech said today that its UK operation, its initial foothold in the region, plans to begin shipping products into Denmark from 1 August.

"We have had great acceptance in the UK and look forward to continued growth and expansion," said Sam Caster, Mannatech's founder, chairman and CEO.

The company, which makes supplements, weight management products and topical products, is also present in Canada and has a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Last week Reliv opened its European operations in Germany, one of the world's five biggest markets for direct selling.

However Kathrin Jungbeck, analyst at Euromonitor, noted that direct selling has less credibility in Europe than the US. This type of distribution is currently growing much faster in the Asia Pacific region, she said.

"Direct sellers don't have the same reputation as they do in Asia or North America and may not have the same impact as the established names," she said.