Our Heritage

Bolton's story began in 1949. Since then, we've enriched the lives of millions of people around the world through entrepreneurship and family values. We operate in more than 150 countries. Our ambition is to significantly increase our reach so that we can enrich the lives of millions more.

Our Founder Embodied the True Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

In 1949, Joseph Nissim founded Exportex with a clear vision: to distribute Anglo-American brands in Europe. Over time, Exportex evolved from a distributor to a producer, focusing on the food sector. With the launch of Rio Mare in 1967, the Cermenate factory became the largest canned tuna production site in Europe. Building on this success, Exportex expanded into household cleaning with the launch of WC Net. In 1978, Exportex and its associated companies combined to form Bolton Group, paving the way for international growth.

Some Highlights from More Than 75 Years of Growth

1949 – Imagine Big

With the birth of Exportex, Joseph Nissim showed us the potential of an American dream made in Italy. By distributing Anglo-American multinational brands throughout Italy and partnering with the major multinationals of the time, he became a key player in the new post-war Italian market.

1961 - 1969 - Do Better

Exportex evolves from a distributor to a producer, focusing on the food category. With the launch of Rio Mare in 1967, the first factory in Cermenate (where the canned meat Manzotin was produced) became the largest canned tuna factory in Europe. Following the success of its food brands, Exportex enters the household cleaning market with the launch of WC Net.

1978 - Founding Bolton Group

By bringing together Exportex and other owned companies established in the food and household sector, Bolton Group is born, setting itself up for international expansion.

1981 - Supporting More Families

Bolton was now able to expand its presence in the household cleaning market with its Omino Bianco brand, paving the way for Carolin, a long-established French surface cleaning brand, and Smac, which was added in the early 1990s.

1983 - Making it Personal

The acquisition of Manetti & Roberts in Florence marked the Group's entry into the personal care sector. The prestigious brands Borotalco, Acqua alle Rose and Neutro Roberts were flanked by the pharmaceutical brand Somatoline. Cavaillès, a historic French brand for sensitive skin, was added in 1998, followed by Chilly in 2003, Bilboa in 2012 and Omia in 2019.

1989 - Sticking to Adhesives

UHU becomes the first of many international acquisitions. The adhesives sector was soon to be expanded with new companies and brands: Bison International, Griffon in the Netherlands and Bostik in Italy.

1993 - A Fresh Face in Beauty Care

The first step into beauty care was taken with the acquisition of the Collistar brand, which quickly became a leading product in pharmacies and beauty stores thanks to its constant innovation and original advertising.

1999 - Reeling in New Canned Fish

Bolton strengthens its canned fish segment with its most important French acquisition, Saupiquet - a well-established brand (founded in 1891) with fishing vessels and factories.

2000 - Bringing Brands Across Borders

Bolton's international expansion begins with the acquisition of its first distribution company in the Czech Republic, followed by the creation of numerous distribution companies to market all the Group's products.

2015 - Growing Internationally

The acquisition of Grupo Conservas Garavilla – with its 4 fishing vessels, sites in Spain, Ecuador and Morocco, and its Isabel and Cuca brands – helps Bolton expand its international horizons, and consolidate its presence in the global canned ﬁsh market.

2019 - Becoming a Worldwide Tuna Leader

The acquisition of Tri Marine enables Bolton to become a leading supplier of tuna in the global market.

2021 - Ensuring Sustainability

Bolton continues its transformation to an increasingly sustainable business model with the acquisition of Wild Planet Foods, an American leader in the responsibly sourced canned tuna and sardines category. It also acquired Madel, an Italian company recognised for its commitment to producing high quality and sustainable home care brands such as Winni's.

2023 - Growing Through Adhesives

Bolton welcomes Unipak A/S, a family-owned Danish company, an expert in sealing compounds. with well-known, high quality, low environmental impact brands such as Unipak, Multipak, Unitape, Glidex and Multiseal. This will enable Bolton to gain new market positions in Poland, the Nordic and Baltic countries and expand its brand portfolio in line with our growth and sustainability strategy.

2024 - The difference everyday makes

Our new tagline embodies 75 years of moments that enrich the lives of millions of people every day, making their everyday lives tastier, more enjoyable, useful and beautiful. It's these everyday moments that make the difference to families and the way they live. All these moments together help us to make a positive impact on people, communities and our planet.

Be The Difference

More Than 60 Quality Brands That Make a Difference Every Day

We have a unique portfolio of more than 60 renowned brands in the Food, Home Care, Adhesives, Personal Care and Beauty categories. Brands that make the everyday more enjoyable, more useful, more beautiful, and more delicious. Our iconic products are loved by generations.