DFI Retail Group will become the exclusive wholesaler, distributor and franchisee of GNC’s health and wellness products in Singapore, as the two companies expand their strategic partnership.

As part of the deal, DFI will provide sales, marketing, distribution and logistics services for GNC’s portfolio of science-backed health and wellness products through the Guardian Singapore network. 

The move builds on a two-decade-long collaboration between the two companies in Hong Kong, where GNC’s products are distributed through its standalone stores and DFI’s health and beauty chain Mannings. It also marks the end of a protracted legal stoush between GNC’s US parent and its previous Singapore partner.

“Our deep market expertise and extensive retail network uniquely position us to reintroduce GNC’s leading sports nutrition and health supplements to Singapore, giving customers access to a curated selection of trusted, science-backed health solutions through Guardian, Mannings, and dedicated GNC stores,” commented Curtis Liu, CEO for health & beauty at DFI.

GNC established its presence in Singapore in 1997. The partnership comes after the Singapore Court of Appeal recently upheld and enforced GNC’s rights to assume former store leases in full. 

The ruling allows GNC to re-establish its standalone store presence in Singapore. The company is now in the process of effecting the assignment of the relevant store leases. 

Customers in Singapore will be able to purchase GNC’s products, including vitamins, minerals and sports nutrition, through Guardian’s physical and online stores, as well as GNC’s standalone stores, starting this year’s fourth quarter.

“We look forward to reconstituting our store footprint in Singapore and remain focused on rebuilding and strengthening our presence in the market while continuing to deliver the quality, innovation, and science-backed wellness solutions consumers expect,” said Cheri Mullen, chief global franchise and wholesale officer at GNC.

As part of the extended collaboration, DFI will also be GNC’s exclusive franchisee in Macau.