China banned multi-level marketing in 1998, citing concerns it covered cults and illegal activities. The government legalized the industry in 2006, but it remains heavily regulated. Only a limited number of companies operate in China's MLM sector today.
Alphay International, founded in October 2002 by Chairman Hui Chen, is one such company. It operates in China under the official name Jiangsu Anhui Biological Technology Co., Ltd. The firm claims to be one of only 27 companies holding a legitimate network marketing license in China. Most licensed companies partner with the Chinese government. Alphay, however, holds a privately owned license.
Jiangsu Anhui Biological Technology began manufacturing traditional Chinese medicine components in 2002. After receiving its MLM license in China in 2008, the company started expanding its network marketing division globally as Alphay International.
Alphay International sells a range of products. These include nutritional supplements, herbal tea, shoe soles, and bedsheet sets.
Its nutritional supplements use what the company calls "the best of the best mushroom and herbal formulations" from ancient medical systems. Alphay states its "master herbologists and mycologists" select high-quality herbs recognized for addressing stress, aging, fatigue, and immune system issues. These general gender-based nutrient supplements, heart health, digestive, mind, and liver supplements each retail for $86. A kidney supplement sells for $98, and a lung supplement for $86.
Alphay International's herbal tea offering is Lingzhi Royal Blend Herbal Tea. This tea contains black tea from inland China. The blend also includes Lingzhi (Reishi Mushrooms), Maitake, Shitake, Oyster mushrooms, and Agaricus Blazei mushroom extract. A box of 30 tea bags retails for $48.
The company also sells GemSoles, a brand of men's and women's shoe soles. These soles reportedly incorporate "refined, ultra-modern technologies."