The current corporate structure is organised around three main pillars: branded consumer foods, agricultural and industrial nuts, and agricultural and industrial edible oils.[1]

Origins and early industrialisation

The business was established in 1896 when Antonio Pont and Dolores Creus began trading olives and almonds in the Spanish provinces of Lleida and Tarragona. Initially operating as an agricultural trading firm rooted in the Catalan economy, the company transitioned towards industrial production in 1914 with the installation of an oil mill. Further industrialisation followed in 1920 with the incorporation of almond-processing equipment. The second generation of the Pont family joined the business in 1925, helping to consolidate these developments.[1]

Launch of the Borges brand

Although the company dates back to the late 19th century, the Borges consumer brand did not appear until the mid-20th century. In 1957, the firm began exporting olive oil and nuts in bulk, marking the start of its international expansion. The Borges brand was officially launched in 1964 with the opening of a packaged-oil factory in Tàrrega. Packaged nuts under the Borges name followed in 1967. Consequently, while the group has over 125 years of history, the consumer brand is approximately six decades old.[1]

Agricultural expansion

Borges expanded beyond processing to include direct agricultural activities. In 1978, it developed walnut and pistachio plantations in Spain. This footprint grew internationally in 1985 with the acquisition of walnut farms in California, United States. This vertical integration connects farming, sourcing, processing, packaging, and distribution, which remains central to the group’s business model for nuts, dried fruits, and edible oils.

International acquisitions

From the 1990s onwards, Borges evolved into a multinational food group through strategic acquisitions and subsidiary formation:

• 1995: Acquisition of the American Star brand.
• 1996: Establishment of a subsidiary in Tunisia.
• 2004: Acquisition of ITLV in Russia.
• 2007: Acquisition of the French Mediterranean-food brand Tramier.
• 2008: Establishment of operations in Egypt.
• 2009: Establishment of a subsidiary in India.
• 2011: Establishment of a subsidiary in Brazil.
• 2012: Establishment of a subsidiary in China and investment in Capricho Andaluz.
• 2016: Acquisition of the Italian vinegar brand Ortalli.
• 2018: Creation of Borges Asia in Singapore.
• 2022: Acquisition of the Eagle brand.[1]

This strategy created a portfolio of brands tailored to specific countries and categories alongside the core Borges label.

Borges offers a diverse range of products centred on Mediterranean cuisine:

• Olive oil: The category most strongly associated with the brand, encompassing various types for everyday cooking and Mediterranean gastronomy.
• Seed and vegetable oils: Includes both consumer products and industrial/B2B edible oils.
• Nuts: A historic area of expertise dating to the company’s origins, including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, and cashews.
• Dried fruits: A major category supported by agricultural and industrial operations.
• Vinegars: Includes Modena balsamic vinegar; Borges states it is the only leading Spanish brand in this category to produce and package the product in Italy.[1]
• Pasta: Positioned as part of a complete Mediterranean meal offering.
• Snacks: Nut-based snacks and related savoury products.
• Vegetable drinks and other foods: Depending on the market, the portfolio may also include vegetable drinks, sauces, olives, balsamic creams, and infusions.[1]

Borges defines its philosophy as “Mediterranean Life & Quality,” aiming to promote the Mediterranean lifestyle and high-quality products globally.[1] Rather than marketing olive oil solely as a cooking ingredient, the brand associates it with healthy eating, natural ingredients, family meals, and cultural heritage. Quality and Mediterranean sensibility are cited as fundamental brand assets.[1]

In the international market, Borges occupies multiple positions simultaneously: a Spanish heritage brand, a Mediterranean food specialist, a nut and dried fruit company, and a global packaged-food group. Its proposition relies on heritage, Mediterranean identity, product quality, international reach, and innovation rather than price competition alone.[1]

It is necessary to distinguish between Borges as a consumer brand and Borges International Group as the parent entity. The group operates across three primary business areas:

1. Borges Branded Foods: Consumer products sold via retail and food-service channels.
2. Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts: Industrial processing, packaging, and B2B trade for nuts and dried fruits.
3. Borges Agricultural & Industrial Edible Oils: Refining, packaging, and B2B marketing of olive and vegetable oils.[1]

A significant portion of the group’s activity involves supplying and processing for other companies behind the scenes.

While Borges is the flagship global brand, the group owns several other labels suited to specific markets:

• Star: Mediterranean products for North America.
• Tramier: Olives and Mediterranean foods in France.
• ITLV: Focuses on Russia and Eastern Europe.
• Ortalli: Italian heritage brand for Modena vinegar.
• Capricho Andaluz: Single-serving oil and vinegar portions.
• Eagle: Premium nuts and snacks acquired in 2022.
• Caramia: Preserves and artichokes for North America.
• Virginias: Nougat and cookies.
• Pacific Choice: Food-service products including olives.[1]

Internationalisation has been central to the company’s strategy since bulk exports began in 1957. Today, the commercial network spans dozens of countries, involving more than 6,000 internal and external professionals.[1] Key markets with dedicated operations include Spain, India, China, Brazil, Singapore, the United States, Russia, France, Italy, Egypt, and Tunisia.

Asia is a strategically important region. Borges India was established in 2009, followed by operations in China in 2012. Borges Asia, headquartered in Singapore since 2018, manages the marketing of olive oil, pasta, vegetable drinks, sauces, vinegar, olives, and balsamic creams across Asian markets.[1]

Borges remains a family-owned enterprise founded by Antonio Pont and Dolores Creus. Successive generations have driven its evolution: the second generation entered in 1925, and the third led internationalisation from the late 1950s. A transition to the fourth generation began in 2008 and concluded with a formal handover in 2020, during which both generations served on the board.[1]

Sustainability is integrated into the corporate strategy under the banner “Committed by Nature.” Key focus areas include responsible agriculture, healthy and sustainable products, and social responsibility. Given the company’s direct connection to agriculture, environmental considerations regarding soil, water, farming practices, packaging, and transport are prioritised.[1]

According to corporate figures for 2024–25, Borges International Group reported sales of approximately €542 million and volumes of 291,158 tonnes. Operations extend to 70 countries. The group lists 384 employees in its corporate overview, distinct from the wider network of over 6,000 professionals involved in its global commercial activities.[1]

Borges exemplifies the transformation of a small agricultural trading business into a multinational food group. From its 1896 origins in olive and almond trading, it industrialised in the early 20th century, launched its consumer brand in 1964, and expanded globally through acquisitions and agricultural investments. Today, it functions as a comprehensive producer and marketer of Mediterranean foods with deep roots in both agriculture and branded consumer goods.[1]

1. Our Group – Borges International