Licor del Polo is an oral care brand primarily sold in Spain, which is currently owned by Bübchen Bodycare GmbH, a subsidiary of the German strategic investment holding company Katjes International GmbH & Co. KG. The brand was previously part of Henkel's consumer brands portfolio until December 2022.
Brand History and Focus
Origins:
The brand's history dates back to 1870 when a pharmacy and botany student named Salustiano de Orive founded it in Bilbao, Spain, launching the first "Licor del Polo Elixir" as a mouthwash product.
Innovation:
The company was a pioneer in oral care innovation, notably introducing one of the first toothpastes with Chlorophyll to the Spanish market in 1930.
Product Range:
Licor del Polo offers a range of oral care products, including various adult and junior toothpastes (e.g., whitening, anti-bacterial, 2-in-1 toothpaste/mouthwash combinations) and mouthwashes, with a strong focus on freshness and natural ingredients.
Market Position:
It is considered one of the leading and most traditional oral care brands in the Spanish market.
Current Corporate Structure
Parent Company:
Licor del Polo is part of the extensive brand portfolio of Katjes International, a company that focuses on acquiring and growing strong European fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands.
Operating Entity:
The specific operating business for Licor del Polo, along with other oral care brands like Theramed and Vademecum, was acquired by Katjes subsidiary Bübchen Bodycare GmbH in December 2022.
Sustainability Focus:
Under recent ownership, the brand has emphasized sustainability, reformulating products to incorporate over 95% natural ingredients and using new, fully recyclable packaging tubes made from a single material (HDPE).