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

  • 3rd generation joins the company
  • Antoine Bona, Guillaume Bona and Laetitia Bona Piedra

2003

  • Appointment by the Clarins Group to manage its Sales and Marketing regional office
  • After 12 years and to this day, Essence Corp. remains the Caribbean distributor for The Clarins Group

2004

  • B&L Corp founded in partnership with the Blanc family to do our own logistics

2007

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

2011

  • Strengthening of the Caribbean portfolio
  • Introduction of Hermes, Shiseido and Bulgari

2014

  • Acquisition of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works for the Caribbean and Travel Retail Americas. Exclusive division set up for this business
  • Introduction of Puig

2016

  • Panabel S.A. founded in partnership with Matthieu Castillonto handle local market distribution in Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica

2018

  • Introduction of Dior, beginning of a strong partnership with LVMH in the Caribbean
  • Launch of Rituals in all Travel Retail markets of the Americas

2021

  • Acquisition of L’Occitane for the Caribbean & select Travel Retail Americas’ markets
  • Bath & Body Works appoints Essence Corp. as its Worldwide Travel Retail distributor
  • 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