 Nestled in the bluffs along the Mississippi river in the small town of Winona, MN, Watkins Incorporated has always offered a sense of purity.
For 140 years, Watkins has been America’s pioneer in natural living, utilizing the finest natural ingredients in our product line from apothecary to spices. Since the beginning, Watkins specialized in home remedies using natural botanicals—like camphor, menthol and herbs—to help people feel better and live healthy lives.
Company founder J.R. Watkins traveled the world searching for the finest natural herbs and extracts to formulate his remedies. During his travels, he realized the pure and rich spices from far away lands should be shared with his customers to use in their pantry, thus beginning Watkins long history as the spice company.
To this day, Watkins adheres strictly to the same quality standards set forth by J.R. Watkins. With our J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary line of natural personal care, we use only natural, environmentally friendly ingredients from renewable resources, avoiding chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates and more.
Cleaning products have also been a large part of our product mix as far back as 1917, with Vegetable Oil Soap, made purely of vegetable oils with no animal bi-products, fillers or colors. Advertisements even boasted "Just pure soap, that's all"... and "Pure enough to eat!" As globally-minded as our customers, Watkins now aims to make household chores a little easier and environmentally friendly, with our newest line of natural home care products - J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care - that are safe for your home and family. A re-introduction of our way to clean, playing our part in the way to green living.
How we make our products is as important as our commitment to providing natural, consumable items for everyday life. By utilizing gravity feed filling, biodegradable packing materials, as well as strict recycling programs and much more, we are devoted to leaving the smallest footprint possible on the environment. Since our beginning, Watkins has remained a leader and responsible contributor to our community. Watkins has been one of the largest employers in our little Minnesota town since 1888. Additionally, Watkins continues to support educational, cultural and humanitarian efforts to the larger community, forming partnerships with USTA, FLW, Best Buddies, United Way and many others.
Watkins commitment to natural ingredients, sustainability and respect for the environment and our community is our heritage. And as we learn and grow with our consumers, we continue to meet our customer’s needs for a clean, natural, healthier lifestyle. |