Chile 28/08/2024

Chilean supplier leads with decades of excellence and innovation in the fresh fruit Industry

 

With four decades of experience in nurturing fruit trees and vegetables, Grupo Los Olmos has built a reputation for excellence in the fresh fruit industry. Over the past 14 years, the company has expanded its operations to include a dedicated fresh fruit export business unit, Exportadora Los Olmos.

Known for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Exportadora Los Olmos is solidifying its presence in key markets, including Asia, Europe, and North America. This expansion has become increasingly integral to the company’s global strategy.

Over the last decade, Exportadora Los Olmos has utilized prominent trade shows such as Fruit Logistica and Fruit Attraction as vital platforms for client engagement and exploring new opportunities. This year, the company aims to showcase its fruit selections to a broader audience, with a particular emphasis on the Chinese and Asian markets.

Exportadora Los Olmos produces a diverse range of fruits, including table grapes, cherries, kiwis, pears, sugar plums, and apples.

Luis Ahumada: Legacy of expertise and dedication

Luis Ahumada is an agronomist engineer with over 40 years of experience in the industry. He graduated from the prestigious Universidad de Chile, where he also earned a Master’s degree in Fruticulture. Early in his career, Luis joined the university’s research team and teaching staff, where he met Uwe Pfeil. Their professional relationship eventually blossomed into a business partnership.

In 1986, Luis and Uwe founded Grupo Los Olmos, driven by their passion and innovative ideas. They began by cultivating vegetables and fruit trees in greenhouses and quickly expanded by purchasing a small orchard. Over time, Grupo Los Olmos acquired additional land, diversifying their crops to include pears, apples, and table grapes, and later expanding to cherries and kiwis.

Today, the company manages approximately 320 hectares and collaborates with over 50 growers. All their fruits are exported through their dedicated unit, Exportadora Los Olmos.

Luis is also a member of the Pomanova study group, comprising top professionals who advance research and share industry knowledge.

Endorsements

“I have known Luis since the first day we entered Universidad de Chile in 1976. Over the years, I have witnessed his remarkable growth from a dedicated nurseryman to a leading fruit producer and exporter. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Luis is known for his exceptional human qualities and unwavering commitment to his colleagues. His reputation in the fruit industry is a testament to his long-standing professionalism and business acumen.” — Oscar Carrasco, Agribusiness Consultant.

“It has been a privilege to know Luis since 1976. His dedication and kindness, demonstrated when he cared for a sick friend despite our demanding studies, were truly remarkable. Professionally, I had the opportunity to work with him at Frusan, where I admired his technical expertise and commitment. Luis’s perseverance and innovative spirit have driven the success of Grupo Los Olmos. His achievements are a result of relentless effort and an exceptional work ethic.” — Samuel Escalante, Director, Vivero El Tambo.

Generational transition and current operations

Grupo Los Olmos is currently undergoing a generational transition. Thomas Pfeil, Uwe’s son, is contributing as a Business Development Manager for the greenhouse unit, while Paulina and Javiera Ahumada are managing the orchards and export business units, respectively.

In 2012, Luis established the export business unit from the ground up, reaching out to clients and participating in numerous trade shows to promote the company’s fruits. Today, Exportadora Los Olmos exports nearly 3 million boxes of table grapes, cherries, apples, kiwis, pears, and plums.

Meet Los Olmos at Asia Fruit Logistica on 4-6 September.

To schedule an appointment, send your inquiry