G&B S.A., founded by Maurice Guillo and Jacques Bona in Paris.
First agency company exporting luxury brands to the Caribbean and Central America.
Introduction of Dior, Rochas and Givenchy in the region.
1974
Second Generation, Philippe and Jean-Jacques Bona, joins the company.
Expansion to South America.
Launch of Azzaro and Gucci.
1982
Jean-Jacques and his wife, Patricia, open a G&B branch in Panama.
Expansion to US and Canada duty-free markets.
1988
Essence Corp founded in Miami.
Emphasis on distribution activity.
1993
Beginning of a strong partnership with Interparfums with the introduction of Burberry Fragrances followed by Montblanc, Jimmy Choo, Oscar de la Renta and Dunhill.
2002
Third generation joins the company: Antoine Bona, son of Jean-Jacques and Patricia Bona, followed by cousin Guillaume and sister Laetitia Bona Piedra.
2003
Essence Corp acted as the Sales and Marketing regional office for the Clarins Group from 2003 to 2014 and currently remains its distributor for the Caribbean.
2007
Addition of Versace and Moschino to the portfolio, starting a long-term relationship with EuroItalia.
2009
Essence Corp welcomes Hermès to its fragrance portfolio.
2011
Partnership with BPI Group for the expansion of the Caribbean distribution.
2012
Essence Corp obtains the distribution of Bulgari Perfumes for the Caribbean market.
2014
Acquisition of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works for the Caribbean and TR specialty retail markets.
2014
Essence Corp takes on the distribution of Puig Group in the Caribbean.
2017
Addition of Dolce & Gabbana, now part of the Shiseido group, to our portfolio of brands in the Caribbean.
New partnership with Sisley Paris for the Caribbean market.
Strengthening of business relations with Interparfums by adding Coach to our full distribution.
2018
Essence Corp welcomes Rituals and Dior Fragrances and Cosmetics to its portfolio.
2019
Continue partnership with LVMH adding Givenchy & Kenzo to the Caribbean portfolio.
2020
Essence Corp begins distribution of Guerlain in the Caribbean.
Creation of new Caribbean division to distribute Unilever products and Puig Lifestyle brands.
1953
G&B S.A., founded by Maurice Guillo and Jacques Bona in Paris.
First agency company exporting luxury brands to the Caribbean and Central America.
Introduction of Dior, Rochas and Givenchy in the region.
1974
Second Generation, Philippe and Jean-Jacques Bona, joins the company.
Expansion to South America.
Launch of Azzaro and Gucci.
1982
Jean-Jacques and his wife, Patricia, open a G&B branch in Panama.
Expansion to US and Canada duty-free markets.
1988
Essence Corp founded in Miami.
Emphasis on distribution activity.
1993
Beginning of a strong partnership with Interparfums with the introduction of Burberry Fragrances followed by Montblanc, Jimmy Choo, Oscar de la Renta and Dunhill.
2002
Third generation joins the company: Antoine Bona, son of Jean-Jacques and Patricia Bona, followed by cousin Guillaume and sister Laetitia Bona Piedra.
2003
Essence Corp acted as the Sales and Marketing regional office for the Clarins Group from 2003 to 2014 and currently remains its distributor for the Caribbean.
2007
Addition of Versace and Moschino to the portfolio, starting a long-term relationship with EuroItalia.
2009
Essence Corp welcomes Hermès to its fragrance portfolio.
2011
Partnership with BPI Group for the expansion of the Caribbean distribution.
2012
Essence Corp obtains the distribution of Bulgari Perfumes for the Caribbean market.
2014
Acquisition of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works for the Caribbean and TR specialty retail markets.
2014
Essence Corp takes on the distribution of Puig Group in the Caribbean.
2017
Addition of Dolce & Gabbana, now part of the Shiseido group, to our portfolio of brands in the Caribbean.
New partnership with Sisley Paris for the Caribbean market.
Strengthening of business relations with Interparfums by adding Coach to our full distribution.
2018
Essence Corp welcomes Rituals and Dior Fragrances and Cosmetics to its portfolio.
2019
Continue partnership with LVMH adding Givenchy & Kenzo to the Caribbean portfolio.
2020
Essence Corp begins distribution of Guerlain in the Caribbean.
Creation of new Caribbean division to distribute Unilever products and Puig Lifestyle brands.