The company originated during the Ottoman Empire in 1910 by the trading business of Haj Mahmood Jassim Al Bunnia. Haj Mahmood Al Bunnia first started by bartering goods and quickly, became the exporter of seeds, dates, beans, fruits, wool, and other commodities to the Middle East in addition to being an importer. In the 1950s to meet market conditions and with the formation of the H. Mahmood J. Al Bunnia & Sons Company (HMBS), the operations expanded into the manufacturing of food stuffs and expanded trade to International markets. In the following decades as the socioeconomic environment became more dynamic, HMBS responded by vertically expanding its business lines to maintain independence to best serve its customers. Whenever HMBS faced a challenge or roadblock, the company looked within to overcome and succeed. This often required establishing new companies and competencies such as transportation, engineering, construction and other disciplines which quickly developed into significant enterprises within the HMBS portfolio. This intense goal-oriented focus remains a central part of the companys fabric and serves as the main engine for HMBS vertical and horizontal integration. In the almost 100 years since the company was founded, HMBS has remained a family business that has gained, held, and strengthened market leadership positions through the familys strategy of managing its business with a long-term, regional perspective.