Our story
First generation
After World War II, Alexander and Julius “Les” Bleimann opened the doors of Berjé: a company named after their Hungarian mother, “Berge.” The company only existed as a small location in the heavily industrialized area of lower Manhattan, in what has now become the ever-fashionable SoHo. While Alexander worked in perfumery, Les developed many strategic alliances within the industry, providing them with access to unique byproducts and raw materials. This laid the foundation for the company’s early success.
Second generation
Kim Bleimann joined Berjé in 1973 at its Long Island City location, gaining deep industry knowledge early on while working closely with his father and uncle. This foundation set him on a path to becoming a pioneer in the flavor and fragrance industry. Under his leadership, Berjé became the first American supplier to introduce Australian tea tree oil and boronia absolute from Tasmania to the US.
His direction on international ventures helped accelerate Berjé’s growth, strengthening its reputation as a trusted global supplier. As the company expanded, it moved to a 235,000 square foot site in Carteret, NJ, certified to SQF standards. Berjé also established Berjé Trakia in Bulgaria, marking its evolution from distributor to high-end essential oil producer.
Third generation
Gillian Bleimann-Boucard joined Berjé in 2006, working alongside her father to build a broad foundation across the business. Immersed in the knowledge of industry experts, she developed the skills needed to operate the company, shaped by the experience passed down through generations. Her hands-on approach led her to spend time in labs and production facilities, while also travelling globally to connect with growing communities.
Today, Gillian is a mother, mentor, and respected leader, now serving as CEO. She is focused on driving progress across the business, from sustainability initiatives to expanding partnerships in Europe and South America. An early achievement was overseeing the installation of 4,090 solar panels at Berjé’s Carteret facility, with further sustainability efforts underway globally.
Gillian has embodied the company’s values of integrity, accountability, leadership, and passion. She continues to travel widely in support of growers and producers, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability and quality, carrying forward the legacy of those before her.
Berjé is founded
Alexander and Julius “Les” Bleimann opened the doors of Berjé: a company named after their Hungarian mother, “Berge.” While Alexander worked in perfumery, Les set about developing many strategic alliances within the industry, providing them with access to unique byproducts and raw materials that set the stage for early success.
Kim Bleimann joins Berjé
Kim Bleimann joined Berjé in 1973, starting his career at the company’s second location in Long Island City. During these early years, Kim began to amass a vast wealth of experience and industry knowledge, starting him on the path that would eventually lead to Kim becoming a leading pioneer in the flavor and fragrance industry.
Berjé moves to Bloomfield, NJ
Berjé moved to Bloomfield, NJ after outgrowing its small office and warehousing space in Long Island City. From the new location, Berjé rapidly expanded into an international producer and distributor of essential oils and aromatic chemicals.
Berjé Trakia is established in Bulgaria
Berjé Trakia was established in the historic Rose Valley of Bulgaria – a region that has produced high quality rose oil and lavender oil for more than 200 years. Together with local growing communities, we produce farm-to-drum essential oils, including rose and lavender, from the region's unique botanicals.
Oregon Tilth
Berjé partnered with Oregon Tilth, a leading certifier, educator, and advocate for organic agriculture and natural products. Through our partnership with Oregon Tilth, we certify more than 50 organic essential oils.
Gillian Bleimann-Boucard joins Berjé
Gillian Bleimann-Boucard joined Berjé in 2006, under the company's management leadership program. Gillian gained experience with all aspects of the essential oils and aromatic chemicals industry, working extensively in the areas of quality control, regulatory, and product management.
Berjé moves to Carteret, NJ
Berjé moved to its current 235,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Carteret, New Jersey – a state-of-the art office and warehouse with an internal QC lab and creative center.
Berjé acquires the Whole Herb Company
Berjé acquired the Whole Herb Company in 2009, expanding our product repertoire to include more than 150 raw botanicals and spices. Founded in 1975, Whole Herb has remained a crucial supplier of the food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries for more than 45 years.
Berjé receives SQF Level 3 certification
Berjé becomes an industry leader of SQF – certified to SQF Food Safety Code: Manufacturing, Edition 9 –Certificate #7751- 14322
Berjé acquires Cessence
Berjé acquires CEssence, a producer of cognac oil green and cognac oil white. Through this acquisition, Berjé produces our own cognac oil in-house within our facility in Carteret, NJ.
Board of Directors Formed
Berjé formed its Board of Directors, bringing together experienced leadership to guide the company's long-term strategy and future growth.
New facility for Berjé Trakia opened
Berjé greatly expanded and revamped the production facilities at Berjé Trakia. These expansions increased the area, efficiency, and overall production capacity for rose oil and lavender oil in Bulgaria.
Gillian Becomes CEO of Berjé
Gillian was appointed CEO, representing the third generation of family ownership at Berjé. Gillian has spearheaded numerous growth and sustainability initiatives, many of which are focused on international expansion and procurement.
Kim Bleimann NJBIZ ICON Award
Kim Bleimann earned the NJBIZ ICON award in 2021 for his outstanding success and industry leadership at Berjé! This award recognizes business leaders in New Jersey that have made an impact not just in their respective fields, but in the state’s larger business community.
EY Entrepreneurs of the Year
Kim Bleimann and Gillian Bleimann-Boucard shared the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2022! This program honors many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Berjé acquires Citrolim
The acquisition of Citrolim marked a significant step in Berjé's growth, enhancing its citrus portfolio and strengthening its at-source supply network.
Executive team
Gillian Bleimann-Boucard
CEO Berjé
Kim Bleimann
Chairman of the Board
Brian Hart
President
Elane Costan
CHRO
Richard Hofmann
SVP – Compliance & Regulatory
Judy Tucci
SVP – Director Citrolim
Andrew Oshea
SVP – Fragrance
Thomas Lauzurica
SVP – Business Development
Thomas Noesner
VP – Operations
Ajay Sanghvi
SVP – Legacy Systems
Jagadeesan Ponnambalam
SVP – Systems & Technology
David Herbst
Corporate VP
