Our history - Essence Corp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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