In 2025, Texas-based Essential Formulas Inc. (EFI) celebrated its 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary. Its commitment to research, education and innovative product development has been vital to shaping the probiotic market.
EFI was established in 2000 as the exclusive U.S. distributor of the award-winning probiotic line from world-renowned Japanese microbiologist Dr. Iichiroh Ohhira (1936-2016). In 2015, the company introduced its Reg’Activ Formulas with the glutathione-boosting probiotic, Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3.
EFI was founded by Michael Schoor who found immediate relief after taking Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics while suffering from digestive issues during his travels in Malaysia. Schoor arranged a meeting with Ohhira, which “became the catalyst for establishing EFI” and “envisioning the rise of a natural health phenomenon.”
“EFI was founded to introduce and educate people about the groundbreaking health benefits of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. In our early years, we concentrated on emphasizing the science-based effectiveness of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, which was unprecedented then and still is today,” said EFI President William Schoor.
Since its inception, EFI has established the gold standard for probiotic supplementation with Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. These products are known for their unmatched fermentation process—using fruits, vegetables, seaweed and mushrooms naturally fermented with 13 lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-containing postbiotics, the company said.
According to the company, EFI will stay committed to advancing probiotic science and research and delivering high-quality, scientifically supported products. In honor of its 25th anniversary, the company is launching several initiatives including customer appreciation campaigns, educational programs and community impact.
“Essential Formulas’ Silver Jubilee anniversary is a time to reflect on the past and celebrate the present. It also provides an opportunity to consider the challenges and triumphs we’ve faced over the last 25 years, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of all those who have contributed to EFI’s success. It also serves as a motivation to continue striving for excellence and reaching new milestones in the future,” said EFI CEO Brian Craig.
For more information, visit www.essentialformulas.com.
