When one thinks of a relaxing break, the image that often comes to mind is that of a steaming cup of herbal tea or chamomile tea. In Italy, this moment has a name: Bonomelli. For nearly 120 years, the brand has been synonymous with natural wellness, quality, and Made in Italy daily rituals that unite generations.
The roots of an Italian story
The history of Bonomelli began in 1908, when Luigi Amedeo Bonomelli opened his pharmacy in Milan, where he produced liqueurs and syrups. Creativity, expertise and a deep passion for medicinal herbs drove Luigi Amedeo to create new products: in 1920, bitter and vermouth were introduced, and in 1926, the famous chamomile was born.
Chamomile tea: icon and symbol
With its delicate scent and unmistakable flavour, chamomile tea is the product that has made Bonomelli’s history more than any other and has become an evening ritual for generations of Italians. At the time, chamomile was considered almost exclusively a herbal remedy, not easy to find in everyday life. Bonomelli had the revolutionary idea of transforming this plant into a convenient, ready-to-use product suitable for all Italian families.
The selection of raw materials
A strong point that has always distinguished Bonomelli is the care for raw materials. It all starts with the curiosity that leads Luigi Amedeo to travel the length and breadth of Italy to discover local products and folk traditions related to the use of medicinal herbs. In northern Apulia, he found that locals gathered wild herbs to resell them in the city. In 1939, he decided to start a factory near Foggia to process raw materials, particularly chamomile. The plant is still a state-of-the-art centre for seed selection, cultivation and drying of chamomile.
Today, herbs, flowers and aromatic plants are selected with strict criteria, giving preference to local and sustainable suppliers. This makes it possible not only to offer products of the highest quality, but also to ensure traceability and sustainability.
The Filtrofiore revolution
In 1950, Camomilla Espresso, the first instant chamomile tea designed to be consumed at the bar, was relaunched. But the real leap in quality came later, however, when in 1970 Bonomelli introduced its famous Filtrofiore, a filter containing only the whole flower heads of chamomile, that is, the most valuable part of the flower. This patent, which has become a symbol of the brand, guarantees an infusion that is more fragrant, intense and rich in natural active ingredients.
Innovation and tradition: a perfect balance
Over the past decades, Bonomelli has been able to renew and expand its range, without ever betraying its Made in Italy identity. Alongside the classic chamomile tea, today we find a range of functional herbal teas, fruit infusions, relaxing, purifying, energising, and digestive blends. Each product is formulated to accompany our daily well-being, and everything stems from a deep respect for nature and ancient herbal wisdom.
Innovation has also reached packaging technologies, which are increasingly focused on flavour preservation and convenience. From aroma-saving filters to compostable sachets to recyclable packaging, every detail is designed to provide the best possible experience while respecting new environmental sensitivities.
An evolving brand
Despite its long tradition, Bonomelli is constantly looking ahead. The search for new flavours, experimentation with novel blends and opening up to international markets are just some of the strategies put in place to continue surprising and satisfying consumers of today and tomorrow. The ability to renew itself without losing sight of its core values makes Bonomelli an evergreen brand.
Bonomelli today
Today Bonomelli is part of the Montenegro Group, but it continues to maintain its strong and recognizable identity. Its products are available not only in Italy, but also abroad, bringing a piece of Italian herbal tradition to the world.
With more than a century of experience, Bonomelli represents a rare example of how a simple idea –a good, natural, carefully made chamomile tea – can stand the test of time, innovate and continue to accompany millions of people every day.
Congratulations to those who bring the Made in Italy tradition to the world!
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