Watkins has a nose for things that are natural, soothing, and appealing to the senses. Through its apothecary, natural home care, and gourmet divisions the company manufactures more than 350 natural products, including body lotions and bath salts, organic dish soaps and bathroom cleaners, organic black pepper, and vanilla extracts. Watkins distributes its products in the US, Canada, the UK, and the Philippines. The natural products developer and marketer sells its items through retailers the likes of Target, Wal-Mart, and Whole Foods, as well as through its website. Owned by chairman Irwin L. Jacobs since 1978, Watkins' roots go way back to the 1860s.