History
A staple presence for over 130 years in the lives and homes of Italians, Gruppo Montenegro was founded in 1885, in Bologna, where Stanislao Cobianchi decided to make the most of his expertise as liqueur maker by starting his enterprise. Years after creating its first amaro, in 1986 the Group embarked on a new expansion path by acquiring brands still on the market today, confirming its ability to restyle itself, whilst remaining true to its traditions.
History
1885
Young alchemist Stanislao Cobianchi launches his company, “Cobianchi Stanislao Distilleria a Vapore” in Bologna
The distillery produces many different products: aperitifs like bitter and vermouth and liqueurs with names that are all but forgotten nowadays, like ratafià, alchermes, arquebuse, persico, latte di Vecchia and Rosolio.
One of the most successful products, however, is Elisir Lungavita, which is later renamed Amaro Montenegro after Princess Elena of Montenegro, the future Queen of Italy, to whom Stanislao decides to dedicate his invention.
1986
Montenegro acquires a 50% stake in the company Stucker Zesiger, producer of Infré Decaf Tea
Montenegro acquires a 50% stake in the company Stucker Zesiger, producer of Infré Decaf Tea, a tea created by German pharmacist Theodor Grethe, who invented the decaffeination process.
The brand is then acquired in full by Gruppo Montenegro in 2011.
1988
The Bonomelli brand joins the Group.
Founded in 1908 by Luigi Amedeo Bonomelli, the company sets the benchmark for the cultivation and transformation of chamomile, thanks also to the first Italian centre for experimental trials, cultivation and drying of chamomile, established in Foggia in 1939.
Gruppo Montenegro has acquired the Pilla Company
Gruppo Montenegro has acquired the Pilla Company, a corporate branch of Villa Zarri which is a historic distillery based in Castel Maggiore, a small town near Bologna. In this way Select Aperitivo, Oro Pilla Brandy and Grappa del Lupo brands have become part of the portfolio.
1995
The Group acquires Cannamela
The Group acquires Cannamela, a company founded in 1956 in Bologna thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Cannamela family.
The growth strategy implemented following the acquisition leads to the brand quadrupling its turnover.
1996
Acquisition of Polenta Valsugana
The Polenta Valsugana brand has been a household name in Italy since the ’50s, offering all the goodness of traditional polenta but with the added advantage of an express formula that means the polenta cooks in just a few minutes.
Thanks to the boom in sales and major investments in communications, Polenta Valsugana becomes a household name, synonymous with polenta.
1999
Vecchia Romagna boosts the Group’s Spirits range
Vecchia Romagna, invented by Jean Bouton, a Frenchman born into a family of pioneers in the art of liqueur production, and founder of the Giovanni Buton Distillery (1820), boosts the Group’s Spirits range.
2000
Acquisition of the Catarì Instant Pizza brand
From the 1950s, Catarì Instant Pizza helps spread the popularity of homemade pizza thanks to its special formula: pre-dosed ingredients and a few simple instructions.
2002
Olio Cuore joins the Group
Cuore (literally “heart” in Italian), the corn oil made from the “heart of corn” that was launched in the ’60s and immortalised by its much-loved advertising campaign featuring a healthy consumer hopping over a fence and by its unmistakable product packaging, joins the Group.
2008
Bonomelli enters the market of herbal teas
Bonomelli enters the market of herbal teas, launching a range of functional, delicious-tasting products that are an ideal choice for natural, healthy living. Over the years Bonomelli continues to invest considerable resources in order to perfect the various formulae, so that today some products in the range offer the innovative option of infusion in either hot or cold water.
2010
Polenta Valsugana launches its Wholegrain version.
In line with the growing focus on wellbeing, Polenta Valsugana launches its Wholegrain version.
Made from 100% wholegrain cornmeal, the wholegrain polenta provides a valuable amount of dietary fibre and gives Polenta Valsugana a rustic, substantial texture.
This is an important addition to the range which already includes the Classic, the White and the Ready-to.eat Polenta Valsugana.
2013
The development plan for the U.S. market is rolled out
The development plan for the U.S. market is rolled out with substantial investments in distribution, marketing and human resources, anticipating the positive trend in Italian Amari in the world’s biggest Premium Spirits market.
Bonomelli launches its new range of fruit infusions
Bonomelli launches its new range of fruit infusions: Infusi Fruttosi. Delicious 100% natural blends, with fruit and natural flavours that characterise the colour, taste and aroma of the beverages.
2015
Launch of Polenta Valsugana 5 Cereali
Polenta Valsugana 5 Grains offers consumers a unique blend: yellow cornmeal together with wholegrain corn, rice, buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth.
A new mixture that combines the health benefits of cereal grains with the natural goodness of corn.
Launch of Camomilla Bonomelli and The Infrè in compostable capsules
The Group embraces the strong growth of the coffee capsules market with the launch of Bonomelli Chamomile Tea and Infrè Decaf Tea compostable capsules compatible with Nespresso machines: the same relaxing, healthy drinks as always, but now ready in a matter of seconds. The range is expanded in the years that followed with functional herbal teas.
Major investments in the revamping of the San Lazzaro plant
Major investments in the revamping of the San Lazzaro plant, aimed at seismic upgrading, improving the plant’s energy footprint and upgrading the production lines.
Launch of Sale Cuore
The first Cuore brand product innovation since the launch of the brand. Launch of Low-Sodium Iodised Salt, a fine table salt with reduced sodium to be used in place of standard table salt. Ideal for low-sodium diets, for example as recommended in the case of high blood pressure.
2016
Gruppo Montenegro becomes the sole distributor in Italy of the Jose Cuervo International
Gruppo Montenegro becomes the sole distributor in Italy of the Jose Cuervo International portfolio (Tequila Jose Cuervo, Tequila 1800, Kraken Rum, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Boodles Gin) and of Matusalem Premium Rum.
Lean Manufacturing project
Launch of a Lean Manufacturing project, for a production approach aimed at eliminating waste and improving productivity.
2017
Bonomelli launches its Herbal Infusions
Bonomelli launches its Herbal Infusions: a range of 100% natural products that exclusively combine the taste and benefits of two botanicals, with no other added ingredients, for a herbal experience that offers unsurpassed pureness.
Launch of Cuore Egg-Free Mayonnaise
Launch of Cuore Egg-Free Mayonnaise, gluten-free, containing plant proteins and made with Cuore Corn Oil, for a product rich in linoleic acid which, coupled with a varied and well-balanced diet and a healthy, active lifestyle, can help maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.
Gruppo Montenegro becomes the sole distributor in Italy of the Beluga Group
Gruppo Montenegro becomes the sole distributor in Italy of the Beluga Group products portfolio (Beluga Vodka Super Premium and Belenkaya Vodka) and of Chazalettes Vermouth.
2018
Launch of the new line of Pesto Genovese sauces with Olio Cuore
In January 2018 Cuore presented another novelty: the new line of Pesto Genovese sauces. Made with 40% of Cuore oil, rich in linoleic acid that helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels, and with 100% Italian basil, the products are available in two references, classic and without garlic, to meet the needs of all consumers attentive to taste and well-being. Pesto Cuore sauces are the first with a functional promise, and therefore have a unique positioning, not only in the pesto market, but also in seasonings in general.
Gruppo Montenegro is the new exclusive distributor of Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and Finlandia Vodka
Gruppo Montenegro is the new exclusive distributor of Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and Finlandia Vodka in Italy.
Fondazione Montenegro Americas
Established on July 1, 2018; Montenegro Americas is the USA-based subsidiary of Gruppo Montenegro tasked with developing the Group’s portfolio in the U.S., Canada, Central and South America with the precious support of importers, distributors, and agency partners.
2020
Meet Atelier della Natura, the first Bonomelli store
Meet Atelier della Natura, the first Bonomelli store: in this new venue, in the heart of Milan, dedicated to herb teas, infusions and chamomile teas for a totally natural well-being, the search for a perfect combination of flavour and well-being are pivotal elements, offering customers a unique tasting experience.
2021
Gruppo Montenegro launches Gin Edgar Sopper, London dry gin
Gruppo Montenegro launches Gin Edgar Sopper, the London dry gin, quintessential British distilling product. Gin Edgar Sopper is characterised by five botanicals and, thanks to its dry yet smooth taste, it is a versatile gin. Ideal for cocktails, but also suited for drinking neat. The bottle is an expression of the product’s London roots: the embossing along its entire length refers to the imposing glass plant houses of Kew Gardens, the country’s most famous botanic gardens, and one of the architectural symbols of London.
Jägermeister
Gruppo Montenegro is the new exclusive distributor of Jägermeister in Italy.
2023
Sfoglie croccanti Cuore
Cuore Sfoglie croccanti is the new line of crunchy bread chips dedicated to well-being, consisting of three legume-flour based bakery products. They are a source of proteins, rich in fibres, plus Olio Cuore and vitamin B1, which contributes to a healthy heart function.
Bonomelli Integratori Botanici
Bonomelli Integratori Botanici, a new range of supplements based on natural and functional ingredients, pocket-sized and ready for use. It includes four products – Sleep, Vitality, Digestive and Immunity – all of them without lactose, gluten-free and with no added colourings. It is a line designed to respond to specific needs, for purposes of natural wellbeing, handy and readily available, without giving up on a pleasant flavour.
