Set up at the end of 2002, as a result of organisational restructuring of Corticeira Amorim, the company’s mission is to operate in all parts of the world where cork is produced. The staff have in-depth knowledge of cork, the different production areas and the forestry estates, as well as extensive experience from their relationship with forest producers, developed over many years.

Amorim Florestal has developed a georeferencing and knowledge base that ensures access to highly reliable data on the quantitative and qualitative evolution of the various cork-producing areas, regions and countries. Portugal and Spain are the world’s two biggest producers (with 50% + 30% of world production, respectively) and represent more than 90% of the global supply of cork. Amorim Florestal also has primary cork preparation and processing units in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where the sale of cork, by auction or by public auction, is conducted by the State, the only forestry producer in these territories.

Amorim Florestal's entire purchasing process results from its historical knowledge and the evaluation of cork in the respective year of the harvest or in the immediately preceding year. Well-maintained estates normally have their good practices certified under a FSC - Forest Stewardship Council certification process. This seal of approval recognises the huge contribution played by correct management of cork oak forests, to ensure that we can live on a more sustainable Planet.

Amorim Florestal also innovates in processes that involve the entire cork extraction operation from the cork oak, as well as its handling until it is dispatched to the processing units. These processes, with the aid of technology, can lower costs, improve reliability and ensure consistency in the choice of raw material. But Amorim Florestal intends to increase its performance levels, both for the benefit of Corticeira Amorim and the entire industry.

The company aims to create more scientific knowledge that can be applied in the field, and that will improve the fight against pests and diseases, minimise the effects of climate change and, above all, foster innovation in cork oak forests and evolution of the trees. On the basis of this assumption, the current objective is to promote Research & Development associated to the cork oak tree, such as its installation, to ensure that we have more and better cork in the future. The Forestry Intervention Project (PIF) aims to establish several partnerships with existing forestry producers in order to apply the result of this knowledge in the field. This is achieved through plantations of cork oak trees that favour greater tree density and bring forward the initial cycle of cork extraction. Ultimately, Amorim Florestal's job is to promote a higher level of cork production, that in turn can support Corticeira Amorim's growth targets for its business activity.

Within the scope of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and FSC certifications, Amorim Florestal makes available to all interested parties the policies and scope of the respective management systems. To consult this information please contact info.afl@amorim.com.