Blackmores chairman Marcus Blackmore admits he had no idea just how much the opening up of China would turbocharge sales of his company's vitamins, creams and supplements.

The ASX-listed natural health business has been showered with awards this year while booming sales have seen the stock light up the local sharemarket.

Blackmores CEO Christine Holgate and chairman Marcus Blackmore at the launch of the company's flagship store at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney. Credit:Peter Rae

Shares in Blackmores, of which Mr Blackmore owns 24.5 per cent, have surged from $32 in January to around $189, giving the company a market value in excess of $3 billion.

"It has been an unbelievable year," Mr Blackmore told Fairfax Media at the unveiling of the company's first retail store in Australia.