Bonduelle Celebrates 170 Years of History
Bonduelle, a company focused on plant-based food, marks its 170th anniversary. Founded in 1853, the family-run business has passed through seven generations, maintaining its commitment to centering vegetables in food.
Bonduelle, the France-based food group, is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year. Established in 1853, the family business has seen its leadership transition through seven generations, adhering to a long-standing mission of placing plant-based foods at the heart of eating habits.
The company's origins trace back to a distillery founded by Louis Bonduelle-Dalle and Louis Lesaffre-Roussel in northern France. Over time, the business evolved towards canning, with Pierre and Benoît Bonduelle establishing a pea canning workshop in 1926. The company faced significant disruption during World War II, with operations resuming in 1945. The Bonduelle brand was officially registered in 1947, and by the late 1950s, the focus shifted entirely to canning after the distillery was closed.
Bonduelle ventured into frozen foods in 1968, aiming to provide quality products for the catering industry. International expansion began in 1969 with the establishment of Bonduelle Germany, followed by further European growth throughout the 1970s. During this period, the company also acquired the prominent French competitor, Cassegrain.
In the 1990s, Bonduelle expanded into the fresh produce sector with bagged and catering salads through the acquisition of Salade Minute. The group's first stock market listing occurred in 1998, facilitating international development while maintaining family control. The Louis Bonduelle Foundation was established in 2004 to promote healthier eating behaviors and research.