Our Story

These core values permeate everything we do at Pacific Market International – from how we design products to our commitment to our customers and the broader communities we serve. For more than 30 years, we’ve designed and manufactured sustainable products that revolutionize how people eat and drink on the go.

In 1983, Rob Harris launched PMI with a modest investment of $1,200, a curiosity about international trade and a vision to make quality and sustainable products for the sports and recreation markets. Fast forward to today and PMI is the leading global manufacturer of sustainable food and beverage container solutions.

Our two most recognizable brands, Stanley® and Aladdin®, both have a heritage spanning more than a century and are sold around the world. Another rapidly growing area of focus for PMI is our partnership with Starbucks and other select global retailers to create private label products.

Headquartered in Seattle, PMI has offices in Bentonville, Shanghai, Amsterdam, Manila, San Francisco, Shenzhen, and Rio de Janeiro, PMI is made up of more than 1,100 passionate individuals united in our mission to deliver great sustainable products, make a positive impact on the environment and have fun along the way.

Collectively, we’re driven by our common values of sustainability, community, innovation, and customer value. Those values permeate everything we do, from the products we design, to how we treat the people who make them.

PMI’s Heritage

2016

Acquire Formation Brands

In 2016, PMI acquired the business of Formation Brands headquartered in San Francisco, California. Formed in 1994 by Mark Towery and Leslie Miller, Formation develops and markets trend-forward, everyday beverage and specialty gift housewares including tableware, barware and accessories to national and independent retailers. This acquisition further diversifies PMI’s product line and customer base.

2014

We acquire Agostini. PMI South America opens!

In 2014, PMI acquired the business of Agostini headquartered in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Since 1938 business of Agostini has been to manufacture and distribute Aladdin thermal bottles and related food and beverage items to market in South America. This acquisition expands PMI into the critically important South American market.

2013

Our Stanley brand turns 100, PMI turns 30!

In 2013, Stanley celebrated its 100th anniversary, while PMI turned 30. We were also awarded ‘Best Places to Work’ by Outside Magazine, for the 3rd time! What a Year!

2011

Recognized for Environmental Contributions

In 2011, we were honored to be awarded the Corporate Champion Award by the Puget Sound Business Journal for our contributions to the environment.

2010

New Partnerships, Banner Sales and a New Office

In 2010 PMI partnered with Joshua Green Corporation to support rapid growth of its global consumer products. It was also a banner year, breaking the $100 million mark in sales and opening an office in Amsterdam.

2009

Best Place to Work

In 2009, PMI was awarded two great distinctions – ‘Best Places to Work’ by Outside Magazine and ‘Best Companies to Work for in Seattle’ by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine.

2008

Our Manila Office Opens

In order to provide global retailer and consumer support, we opened up our Manila office in 2009.

2008

Ecycle Launches

In 2008 we launched our proprietary mix of recycled & recyclable plastic. It is 100% recycled food grade polypropylene containing 25% post consumer content and is recyclable where #5 plastic is collected.

2006

American Chamber of Commerce Award

Corporate Social Responsibility has an integral part of PMI’s business since we opened our doors in 1983 and in 2006, PMI was honored to receive the American Chamber of Commerce Award in Shanghai for our commitment to and advancements in CSR.

2005

Environmental Targets

In 2005, environmental targets such as environmental certifications of our factories and sustainable waste management were added to PMI’s already robust work in Code of Conduct. We were also awarded “Best Places to Work” by Seattle Magazine!

2002

We acquire the Aladdin and Stanley Brands

In 2002, PMI purchased the Stanley & Aladdin brands. Stanley began on September 2, 1913, and was started by William Stanley. He developed the first all steel vacuum bottle and revolutionized the way people were able to enjoy hot beverages on the go. Aladdin was started in 1908 by Victor Samuel Johnson Sr, making oil lamps, and in 1917 shifted into creating food and beverage carrying products for women and their families.

2001

Our China Office Opens

In 2001, PMI opens an office in Shanghai to provide sales, engineering and manufacturing support. The business has grown into including product management, marketing and design. The MiGo brand is developed in the Shanghai office for the health-minded Chinese consumer.

1999

WE LAUNCH OUR FIRST BRAND: MIGO

In 1999, PMI launched Migo, its first private label brand. We now develop product for MiGo from our Shanghai office, specifically for the unique needs of the Chinese market.

1994

WE PARTNER WITH EDDIE BAUER AND STARBUCKS

In 1994, PMI joined forces with Eddie Bauer to create one of the first lines of stainless steel insulated mugs. At the same time, Starbucks Coffee Company was responding to the increased pace of their customer’s lives, so they partnered with PMI to create beverage containers for patrons on the go.

1983

Rob Harris Founds PMI

In 1983, Rob Harris launched PMI with a modest investment of $1,200 and a curiosity about international trade. With degrees in psychology, business, and education under his belt, the entrepreneurial path seemed like an obvious fit. For the first few years, PMI imported a number of different products and designed and styled products for the sports and recreation markets. Eventually, Rob expanded the business into food and beverage containers.

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