The Chilean grower and exporter Grupo Los Olmos, have their sights set on increasing fruit volumes by 15% in the 2024/2025 export season. Javiera Ahumada, head of marketing at Exportadora Los Olmos, part of the Los Olmos Group, says, "we're dedicated to delivering some of the freshest, highest-quality fruit to markets worldwide. We grow and export a diverse range of fruit, including table grapes, cherries, apples, pears, kiwis, and plums. For the upcoming season, we are expecting to increase our production by 15%, continuing to strengthen our position in international markets."
Luis Ahumada with his daughters, Javiera (left) and Paulina (right).
Grupo Los Olmos, started 40 years ago, has three business units, a nursery, farms where they grow fruit and an exporting company. The group's exporting company Exportadora Los Olmos, founded in 2010, based in Chile's renowned Colchagua Valley. It was established with a singular vision "to cultivate the finest fruits in the heart of Colchagua Valley." The region, nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, provides ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of fruits says Ahumada. "What began as a single property dedicated to fruit cultivation has now blossomed into a thriving business. Today, our company owns over 280 hectares of orchards across four properties and works with more than 50 associated growers, on whose behalf we export fruit worldwide including our own fruit. The diverse range of fruit include table grapes, cherries, apples, pears, kiwis, and plums. From one generation to the next, the company has built a legacy rooted in a commitment to excellence that starts with the soil and ends with the customer," explains Ahumada.
Tailored customer solutions
Ahumada says Exportadora Los Olmos has become a trusted brand in global fruit exports, thanks to over 14 years of experience. "Our unwavering focus is on quality and tailored commercial programs to our clients too. Our commitment to our customers is evident in everything we do, from the careful cultivation of each fruit to the timely delivery of fresh produce to markets around the world. Exportadora Los Olmos ensures that each shipment aligns with market needs, from volume and variety to timing. Our key markets are Europe, China, Asia, the Middle-East, India, and North America."
Robust production capacity
During the 2023-2024 season, the company delivered over 1.2 million boxes of table grapes, more than 700,000 boxes of cherries - 900,000 is the projected number for this season- 180,000 boxes of pome fruits (including apples and pears), and 220,000 boxes of other fruits like kiwis and plums. "These impressive numbers demonstrate not only our robust production capacity, but also our ability to meet the ever-growing demands of the global marketplace," states Ahumada.
Innovation and technology for quality
At Exportadora Los Olmos, technology and expertise are central to ensuring that every piece of fruit meets the highest standards. The company has invested heavily in advanced tools and systems to monitor and optimize every detail of the production process, from planting to harvesting. Over the past five years, the company has operated its own Research and Development department, which has played a key role in implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance quality across the board.
One such innovation is the use of plastic roofing in most of their early-variety cherry orchards. "This technology, which protects cherries from unpredictable weather conditions, places Exportadora Los Olmos a full year ahead of many other exporters in terms of orchard protection. By continually seeking out and implementing the latest advancements in agricultural technology, our company ensures that its fruits are always of the highest quality," states Ahumada.
Sustainability in packaging
Sustainability is another core value at Exportadora Los Olmos. This year, in collaboration with Tecnopac, they developed an export pallet that won third place in the "Delivery" category at the "Viva Chile Packaging" awards. The new pallet, made from lighter, more economical, and recyclable materials, stabilizes fruit boxes during transport while allowing for cold air circulation to preserve the freshness of the produce. "This sustainable solution aligns with Exportadora Los Olmos' commitment to reducing operational costs, improving worker safety, and minimizing environmental impact," notes Ahumada.
Today, the company is led by a second-generation leadership team, with Luis Ahumada's daughters, Javiera and Paulina. Both of them are transitioning into key roles within the Exporter and Grower Unit. Thomas Pfeil, the son of Uwe Pfeil, is taking charge of the nursery business unit as a Business Developer Manager.
A family-driven legacy
"The family's commitment to integrity, quality, and respect for the environment is embedded in every part of the business. As Exportadora Los Olmos continues to grow and innovate, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The company's ability to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the global fruit market, combined with our focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technology, positions our company for continued success in the years to come," concludes Ahumada.
For more information:
Javiera Ahumada Mira
Grupo Los Olmos
[email protected]
www.grupolosolmos.cl/exportadora/en