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In January 2020, Amorim began a series of exciting initiatives to celebrate the Group’s 150^th anniversary.  At the same time, our Australian sales company, Amorim Australasia, was making a significant move to a purpose-developed facility; the first in the world to adopt and showcase the company’s new branding.

As the year progressed, many of the planned celebrations had to be put on hold and the Group’s resilience was tested, but Amorim Australasia was able to harness its new capacity and defy market trends by delivering what will be a record result for the business unit.

To celebrate the move, the remarkable year of 2020 and the Group’s 150^th Anniversary, the team at Amorim Australasia have planted two cork trees.  These trees are symbolically significant, representing new beginnings in our new premises, and our inherent ties to Portugal, resilience and pride.

One tree has been planted at the front of the building, provided with occasional shade from the Australian and Portuguese flags which fly proudly next to it.  The other tree stands in the light-filled foyer of the new building, in a purpose-built cork-clad planter.  One embraces nature, the land and the climate, whereas the other is controlled in a modern context.  Both trees are already a talking point for visitors to the site and help tell the beautiful story of cork and its origins as well as its evolution in terms of quality performance.

Amorim Australasia’s CEO, Tim Stead commented “Whilst we are on the other side of the world from our headquarters in Portugal, we felt it was important to mark this historic year for the Group.  Planting a tree is a broadly used symbolic nod to the future and new beginnings, but a cork tree represents so much more, in terms of patience, determination, longevity and history.  These slow growing, resilient trees and their generous gift of cork bark are well aligned with our journey in this market which at times has tested our resolve.  We are now thriving, nourished by the embrace of our market, bringing value and sustainability to our industry.”