MASTER DISTRIBUTOR OF FINE FRAGRANCES AND COSMETICS FOR:

  • The Duty Free & Travel Retail Markets of the Americas:
    Airports, Cruise Ships, In-Flight, Free Zones/Border shops, Ports & Downtown
  • The Caribbean:
    Airports, Ports & Downtown

We are PASSIONATE about our brands
PROUD to serve our clients and DRIVEN by excellence

OUR TEAM IN NUMBERS

MULTICULTURAL TEAM OF
1
BASED IN MIAMI
1
REMOTE IN THE REGION
1
SALES & TRAINING
1
MARKETING TEAM
1
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
1
BEAUTY CONSULTANTS
1

OUR WAREHOUSE IN MIAMI

SQUARED FEET
1
STAFF MEMBERS
1

OUR HISTORY

1954-1988

  • G&B S.A. was founded in Paris in 1954 by Maurice Guillo & Jacques Bona, exporting luxury brands, Dior, Rochas & Givenchy, to the Caribbean and Central America
  • From the mid-seventies, second generation, Jean-Jacques & Philippe Bona, expanded to South America,
    launching Azzaro & Gucci, opened a Panama branch in 1982 and further expanded to US/Canada duty-free Markets
  • In 1988, Essence Corp. was founded in Miami, with an emphasis on distribution activity

1993

  • Beginning of a strong partnership with Interparfums for the whole Travel Retail territory of the Americas

2002-2004

  • In 2002, Antoine, Guillaume, and Laetitia Bona Piedra joined Essence Corp
  • In 2003, became the regional Sales and Marketing office for The Clarins Group in the Caribbean

2007

  • Beginning of a long-term relationship with EuroItalia for the whole Travel Retail territory of the Americas

2011-2014

  • Starting 2011, Essence Corp. strengthened its Caribbean portfolio by introducing brands like Hermes, Shiseido, Bulgari, and in 2013 introducing PUIG
  • In 2014, Essence Corp. acquired Victoria’s Secret and Bath&Body Works for the Caribbean and Travel Retail Americas. An exclusive division was set up for this business

2016-2018

  • In 2016, Panabel S.A. was founded in partnership with Matthieu Castillon to handle local market distribution in Colombia, Panama, & Costa Rica
  • In 2018, the introduction of Dior marked the start of a robust partnership with LVMH in the Caribbean. Rituals was successfully launched across all Travel Retail markets in the Americas

2021

  • Acquisition of L’Occitane for the Caribbean & select Travel Retail Americas’ markets
  • Introduction of Parfums de Marly in the Americas 

2023

  • Introduction of Dolce & Gabbana in the Caribbean & cruise ships
  • Birth of new venture, Essence
    International, with the Uruguayan borders

2024

  • Essence Corp begins distribution of Sol de Janeiro in the Caribbean (2024)
  • Essence Corp begins distribution of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, Skin & Fragrance in the Caribbean (October 24, 2024)

OUR PHILOSOPHY

COLLABORATE closely with our brands

FOLLOW OUR BRANDS’ CORE VALUES

RESPECT THE BRANDS’ IMAGE AND STRATEGY

ALWAYS REMAIN LOYAL AND TRANSPARENT

MAINTAIN LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS

OUR ADDED VALUE

EXPERTISE IN BEAUTY DISTRIBUTION • HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND TALENTED TEAMS

STRONG HISTORICAL PRESENCE IN THE REGION • ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS WITH KEY CLIENTS

EFFICIENT LOGISTICS AND WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT • STRONG FINANCIALS