4000-2000 BC: More than two thousand years ago, the ancestors of the Polynesian people left Southeast Asia in search of new horizons across the sea. In addition to their families, these explorers carried with them sacred plants necessary to sustain life-the coconut, the pandanus, the taro, and the precious noni, which was prized as a secret to health. These "canoe plants" were eventually cultivated in the volcanic islands of Tahiti.
500 BC - 200 AD: Noni fruit grows wild and becomes a pillar of Polynesian civilization. All parts of the noni plant are used-fruit, leaves, seeds and bark. The noni fruit spreads throughout the Pacific.
1769: Captain James Cook and his crew discover the paradisiacal islands of Tahiti and make note of the widespread se of noni among the inhabitants.
1955: While researching pineapple plants, Phd. Ralph Heinicke discovers the beneficial properties of the noni plant. His research would eventually lead to the founding of an entire industry, one that would improve the lives of millions of people.
1993: After coming across the research of Phd. Heinicke, food scientist John Wadsworth travels to Tahiti and confirms the existence of a commercially viable source of noni. He conducts interviews with natives and government officials, and searches libraries for historical documents. He discovers that the ancient claims were true-all research indicates that noni has astounding properties.
1996-2009: With a combination of food science expertise, industry experience, and business and marketing acumen, the foundation is laid for the creation of a revolutionary new venture: Tahitian Noni International. Today Tahitian Noni International does business in over 70 countries, with sales of more than 500 million dollars/year. ...and it's only the beginning!
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