New Chapter Inc. has been sold to Procter and Gamble

Important message from Dr. Peter Dobias

The members of our community and I have learned this week that the whole food all natural supplement company, New Chapter Inc., has been sold to Procter and Gamble.

I will not hide the fact that the news was a real shock to me.  As a holistic vet, I have learned to be on guard when it comes to any “well meant intentions” of big  companies that seem to gobble up any successful and ethical company that makes a difference.

I myself have been a business owner for more then 12 years. First I opened my holistic veterinary clinic and then Dr. Dobias Healing Solutions in 2008. I know from my own experience that running a business on the basis of high ethical values and integrity is “expensive.”  I have made tough decisions such as not selling processed food which would bring 30% more income and also decided not to sell 95% of drugs  that could easily pay my salary.

New Chapter Inc. was established by Paul and Barbi Schulick 30 years ago. In my eyes, they are a dedicated couple who knows very well that healthy nutrition and organic farming is the only way we can stop and possibly reverse the destruction of our health and our planet.  However, as time progressed, they too had to face tough times and in order to accomplish their mission, they needed to bring on investors and give up the majority of the company shares.

I do not know the details of the acquisition of New Chapter by Procter and Gamble but I have had enough of an opportunity to get to know Barbi and Paul personally. While providing holistic vet care for their dogs we developed a genuine friendship and I find them being some of the most loving, caring and trustworthy people I know.

I have no doubts about their integrity and strongly believe that the personal financial benefits of selling their New Chapter shares were not their motive. I can only assume that the pressure from investors were the reasons why they had to surrendered to the process because deep in my heart I believe that they would not have done so if they had the choice.

There have been several people from our community raising their concerns and asking what was I going to do.  The answer is not that difficult.   I have been recommending New Chapter organics products for a long time because I believe that they are the top in quality and innovation.   I do believe that at least for some time, this is not going to change.  However, as much as I trust the founders of New Chapter, I can’t trust and support Proctor and Gamble because their values are not aligned with ours when it comes to natural nutrition and animal testing.

I can only tell you that the current situation will make me work even harder to bring more products to our own product line in order to continue our values.   What   I would like to ask you in return is to tell your family, friends and others about ethical and sustainable companies that need to remain independent and buy their products, because by doing so, you will ensure their independence.

With much respect and gratitude,

Dr. Peter Dobias