Our story
From small business to major company. From local to international.
Our first 230 years are filled with events and achievements that have allowed us to become the Italians’ favourite vinegar.
The best part of our history? The part that’s yet to come.
The origins of the Ponti
family and the vinegar factory
Meanwhile, around the world
1620 | The Mayflower, the ship of the Pilgrim Fathers, lands on the coast of America.
1595
In Sizzano in the province of Novara, Giovanni del Ponte, son of the late Bartolomeo, is documented for the first time.
1659
Vittore del Ponte is the owner of the tavern in Sizzano.
1705
The son of Francesco del Ponte, a town councilor of Sizzano, is a Guastatore (assault engineer) during the War of the Spanish Succession.
Meanwhile, around the world
1789 | The French Revolution breaks out in Paris.
1741
Pietro del Ponte makes a will in favour of his grandchildren and asks them to live “with the Holy fear of God and also with the honour of the world”.
1787
Giovanni Battista del Ponte starts selling vinegar.
1795
The Ponti vinegar factory in Sizzano is documented.
From Giuanin d'la Asei
to the industrial revolution
Meanwhile, around the world
1861 | Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy.
1837
Birth of Giovanni Ponti, a farmer and producer of wine and vinegar, nicknamed Giuanin d’la Asei (Vinegar Johnny).
1864
Giovanni takes over the family business following his father’s death.
1903
Antonio Ponti, Giovanni’s son, builds a new factory for the industrial production of vinegar in Sizzano.
From international
recognition to Italian tables
Meanwhile, around the world
1911 | Roald Amundsen is the first man to reach the South Pole.
1911
Antonio Ponti is awarded the Diploma of Honour for “wines and vinegars” at the Paris International Fair.
1938
Antonio hands over the vinegar factory in Sizzano to his son Guido.
1939
Antonio and Guido begin the production of vegetable preserves with vinegar and olive oil.
The years of innovation
Meanwhile, around the world
1969 | Man lands on the moon.
1948
The Ghemme production plant in the province of Novara is opened.
1965
Guido’s sons Cesare and Franco join the company. A phase of expansion and diversification begins, with the opening of new plants in Veneto and Lazio.
1969
The day after the moon landing, Aroma Antico is launched.
1986
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1992
Successful new products are launched, as part of a strategy of constant innovation in taste.
1991
The acquisition of Modenaceti is the start of a journey that will make Ponti a leader in the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena sector.
Italian flavours around the world
Meanwhile, around the world
2008 | Barack Obama becomes the first African-American president of the United States.
2000
Giacomo Ponti is the ninth generation of the family to join the company, guiding the group towards international expansion.
2005
The Ponti Quality System – food safety, trackability and traceability – is extended to all the group’s plants.
2008
Ponti perfects its expertise in the Organic sphere with the acquisition of Achillea, a company with consolidated experience in organically-grown products.
2009
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena obtains P.G.I. (Protected Geographical Indication) certification.
In harmony with nature
Meanwhile, around the world
2015 | Milan hosts the EXPO.
2010
Lara Ponti works alongside her cousin Giacomo in guiding the company toward a production model in which sustainability and responsibility are measurable.
2014
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2015
The group goes global. Ponti USA in New York and Ponti France in Paris are founded.
2016
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2020
New products and an innovative rebranding: Ponti opens the way to the future while maintaining its uniqueness.
2021
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2023
Ponti’s positive impact on both the community and the environment gets further recognition.
In 2021, Ponti becomes the first Benefit Company in the Vinegars and Vegetables Industry and in 2023 it becomes a B Corp certified company, joining a global movement for a more responsible way of doing business.
2025
The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has awarded Ponti the Italian Historical Trademark, the prestigious recognition that certifies the value of over 230 years of history.