Claude Stratford, the creator of Comvita, is observing his 100th birthday today. His love for the mankind has won him Queens Service Medal award.

Claude established the natural health products Company in 1974 at the basement of his house in Paengaroa, Bay of Plenty. At that time he was 64. He used to make and sell different bee products. He got nominated for the National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards at the age of 95.

Claude opened his first beehive in 1921 when he was just 11 and decided to dedicate his life for preparing many products from bees that are beneficial for mankind.

The Company has grown significantly and produces revenue of $85 million per year. The Company also sells its products to 14 other countries all over the world.

Brett Hewlett, the CEO of Comvita, says that Claude’s hard work and dedication towards his work motivates many employees of the Company and he is still considered the source of inspiration.

He further said that the Company still carries the charitable works in New Zealand and other countries keeping in mind Claude’s thinking that business should pay back to the society.

On Friday, Claude's 100th birthday party will be celebrated at the Comvita Visitor Centre in Paengaroa.