Vicks VapoRub: From Greensboro Roots to Global Cold Remedy

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The story of Vicks VapoRub traces its origins to a North Carolina pharmacist, Lunsford Richardson, who created a topical remedy for his son's illness in the late 19th century. What started as a family secret quickly grew into a global brand, now owned by Procter & Gamble and generating over $1 billion annually from its Greensboro production facility.

Why it matters

The Vicks VapoRub story highlights how personal experiences can drive innovation and the power of building a loyal customer base through genuine connections. It also showcases how a local product can evolve into an international brand, while maintaining ties to its hometown roots and positively impacting the local economy.

The details

Lunsford Richardson, a North Carolina pharmacist, developed the original 'Vick's Croup and Pneumonia Salve' in the late 1800s as a topical remedy for his son's illness, rather than the ingested treatments common at the time. The effective salve quickly spread by word of mouth, and the company rebranded it as 'Vicks VapoRub' in 1912. Procter & Gamble acquired the Vicks brand in the 1980s, and the Greensboro facility now produces over $1 billion in annual revenue as the sole global producer of liquid Pepto-Bismol.

• Lunsford Richardson developed the original 'Vick's Croup and Pneumonia Salve' in the late 1800s.
• The product was rebranded as 'Vicks VapoRub' in 1912.
• Procter & Gamble acquired the Vicks brand in the 1980s.
• The Greensboro facility now generates over $1 billion in annual revenue.

What’s next

Procter & Gamble is expected to continue investing in the Greensboro facility, leveraging its status as the sole global producer of liquid Pepto-Bismol to drive further growth and innovation for the Vicks brand.