Zarbee's

Zarbee's operates within the consumer health market, offering naturally-based healthcare products for families. The company was founded in 2008 by pediatrician Dr. Zak Zarbock. His journey began out of a personal and professional need to find effective, drug-free alternatives to traditional over-the-counter medicines for his own children and patients. Dr. Zarbock, who earned his Doctorate of Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2005 and completed his pediatric residency at the University of Utah, was frustrated with the lack of safe options for children, especially after the FDA advised against OTC cough and cold medicines for young kids in 2007. This led him to create his first product: a honey-based children's cough syrup formulated with Vitamin C and zinc, and notably free from drugs, alcohol, and artificial flavors.

The business centers on creating, marketing, and selling a wide range of health and wellness products. Its clientele primarily consists of parents and families seeking natural-ingredient-based solutions for common ailments. The company's business model is direct-to-consumer through retail channels, selling its products in major grocery stores, drug stores, and online retailers. Revenue is generated through the sale of these products. Initially focused on children's cough syrup, Zarbee's expanded its product lines to address a broader set of health needs including immune support, sleep aids, and vitamins for adults, children, and babies. Products are formulated with ingredients like dark honey, elderberry, agave, and ivy leaf, and are free from artificial sweeteners, dyes, and flavors. This approach has allowed the company to establish a strong presence in the pediatric healthcare market, becoming a pediatrician-recommended brand for cough syrup and sleep support for children.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in July 2018, which marked the pharmaceutical giant's first major entry into the natural supplement space. Prior to this, Zarbee's had secured $28.3 million in funding over seven rounds from investors including L Catterton and Sorenson Capital, which helped scale the business significantly. Under the ownership of private equity firm L Catterton starting in 2011, Zarbee's transformed from a small startup with negligible market share into a market leader, expanding its product portfolio and distribution network. The company's revenue grew substantially during this period, demonstrating significant market traction before being acquired. Today, Zarbee's is part of Kenvue, the spun-off consumer health business of Johnson & Johnson.

Keywords: natural healthcare, pediatric wellness, children's health products, honey-based remedies, drug-free alternatives, family wellness, over-the-counter supplements, immune support, sleep aids, children's vitamins, Zak Zarbock, natural ingredients, consumer health, Johnson & Johnson acquisition, Kenvue brand, pediatric cough syrup, natural remedies, family healthcare, dietary supplements, children's medicine