Quality control at Amorim begins in the forest and continues through each stage of production, packaging, sales and distribution.

Since the 1999 harvest, bark received in Amorim's processing facilities in the south of Portugal has been tagged and its source recorded. This makes it possible to trace Amorim cork products right back to the forest.

Each Amorim plant is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and skilled personnel to enforce stringent quality control procedures in accordance with international standards. Increasingly, cork production processes are computer-controlled.

Streamlining of Amorim's sales and distribution processes, including web-enabled purchasing, allows just-in-time delivery and ensures winemakers receive cork in optimal condition.

Integrated production and distribution

Amorim is integrating its entire production and distribution processes under Amorim ownership and control. Instead of dealing through intermediaries, Amorim deals with its customers and suppliers direct. By controlling each step - from the forest through the factory to the winemaker - Amorim can guarantee its corks reach the customer in pristine condition.

Amorim has increased its presence in the cork growing regions of southern Portugal and Spain, where its purchasing operations are located, improving its knowledge of the forest and its access to the best quality raw materials.

It has also created a network of 17 distribution companies in the wine-growing regions of the world, which customise product to the winemaker's specifications.

These strong local wine industry relationships help Amorim better understand customer requirements, identify problems and where possible resolve them on the spot.

Quality accreditation

Amorim & Irmãos, the largest company in the Amorim Group, is the first cork company in the world to achieve the ISO 9002 quality accreditation for a fully integrated cork production process. ISO 9002 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems. All stages of the Amorim production process - from bark to bottle - are included in the ISO accreditation. Achieving ISO 9002 accreditation demonstrates Amorim's total commitment to quality control.

Advice for winemakers

Rigorous quality control requires extending the QC procedures practised at Amorim beyond the factory or distributor door, right to to the winery itself.

To assist winemakers in ensuring that their wine corks remain in peak condition, Amorim has prepared a summary of advice on choosing and using cork.

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