Comvita founder Claude Stratford turned 101 today.

The Bay of Plenty born Queens Service Medal winner started the natural health and beauty products company in 1974, when he was 64.

Comvita founder turns 101.

Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett says Claude is an outstanding New Zealander who has led natural health innovation at the helm of a business that today turns over $82 million a year and exports to 14 countries around the world.

'Claude founded Comvita in 1974 by making and selling a range of bee products from the basement in his home in Paengaroa,” he says. 'At the age of 95 he was a finalist in the national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.”

Claude won the Queen's Service Medal in 1999 for his service to the community. He also continues to support philanthropic projects in the country and overseas, through his charitable trust.

Claude owned his first beehive in 1921 and has had a life-long affinity with bee products.

'Claude's spent his life bringing the health benefits by nature to people in New Zealand and around the world,” says Brett.

'His values and the heritage of his commitment to product quality and purity is still the cornerstone of Comvita today. He continues to be an inspiration to Comvita staff, all over the world.”

Claude celebrated his birthday with a morning tea with Comvita staff at the company's visitor centre.