
AMS Family: 60 years producing the best fruits
Manuel Santa María founded AMS in 1957. He acquired a piece of land where his first orchard was sown. Subsequently, his first ever packing area was established. “Back then no one knew much about fruits, and there were no agricultural technicians. Consequently, I made several mistakes; I owned vineyards along with orchards of cherries, kiwis, pears and apples. I remember that my first cold store built in 1980, helped us stock our harvested fruit. I never imagined the exponential growth that this company was going to undergo, since we only started with two chambers. Nowadays, we own 30 well-equipped chambers instead. Back in day, our workers amounted 300 people, whilst these days our workforce runs to over 2500 employees.
In 2003, this company - composed by a father and his children - was internationally registered as AMS FAMILY SA. Thus, it got consolidated and started to increase its production which reached diverse foreign markets such as Taiwan, Turkey, China, USA, among others.
The good service and the optimal service delivered by AMS Family SA have been awarded with certifications provided by the Agricultural and Livestock Service of Chile and international credentials on export quality. The growth of this company has been remarkable as a result of its processes and fruits, which allows it to be ranked within the top companies in the country.

Vision: to bring health and happiness to the world through our fruit.
Mission: to be an internationally distinguished company via our production and packing processes, and the exportation of fresh fruits harvested in our own orchards.
Our values: COMPROMISE – EMPATHY – TEAMWORK – RESPECT – HONESTY – RESILIENCE.
Location
185 km south from the capital of Chile, it is found a farmers’ most desirable paradise for their crops: the Curico valley. Since the area where AMS Family SA is located presents a Mediterranean weather, it permits pomes, stone fruits, berries and kiwis develop all their quality, colour and flavour features. Thus, it allows them to compete at a global top rank category. Fertile grounds and long and warm summers provide an excellent thermal contrast day and night, ideal for the production of fruits and wines.Our Orchards
The Curico Valley, located 185 kilometres south from Santiago (Chile 35 th parallel south), hosts our orchards in adequate Mediterranean weather allowing us to grow excellent quality fruits. The Santa Maria Family cultivates them since 1950, back when the processes were artisanal. As years went by, advanced technology has been integrated for the production of new fruits and vineyards. The Curico Valley comprises the following geographical zones; the Teno river area that includes Rauco, Romeral, Teno and; the Lontue river area, composed by Curico, Molina, Cumpeo and Sagrada Family.
The sustained growth in the production has promoted new investments. Thus, these days, we own a modern fruit plant for both the process and packing of apples, pears, kiwis, plums, cherries and blueberries. As for wine production, AMS Family owns a large wine cellar with a storage capacity of 3.600.000 L.
Moreover, the lands of this region are ideal for all grape varieties. The vast Curico Valley continues to be an area of good white grapes varieties and generous red wines that with fair performance, provide aromatic and fruity wines due to the substantial thermal oscillation that goes over 20ºC between day and night.
In the Sagrada Familia valley, located by the Mataquito riverside, the Santa Maria family owns orchards characterized by their fertile soils and Mediterranean weather. There, wine grape of the following varieties is produced: Merlot, Carmenére and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aside from the vineyards, these orchards grow plums, kiwis, blueberries where the hot summers kick-start the harvesting season.
The Curico valley also presents high and cold lands where we have delayed harvests which are especially adapted for apples and cherries, because it provides them with an excellent coloration and it extends the season of fresh fruit offer. The most important apple varieties are Royal Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Red Delicias and Pink Lady. As for cherries, the most utilized varieties are Bing, Lapins, Kordia, Sweet Heart and Regina due to their firm quality and resistance to long trips.
The massive variety of fruits produced is possible due to qualified agronomist and administrative teams. They work hand in hand in each productive sector. In modern fruit growing, it is key to have a good working environment inside the company so as to fulfil the expected results. This is the most important factor of our production: the people.
The sustained growth in the production has promoted new investments. Thus, these days, we own a modern fruit plant for both the process and packing of apples, pears, kiwis, plums, cherries and blueberries. As for wine production, AMS Family owns a large wine cellar with a storage capacity of 3.600.000 L.
Moreover, the lands of this region are ideal for all grape varieties. The vast Curico Valley continues to be an area of good white grapes varieties and generous red wines that with fair performance, provide aromatic and fruity wines due to the substantial thermal oscillation that goes over 20ºC between day and night.
In the Sagrada Familia valley, located by the Mataquito riverside, the Santa Maria family owns orchards characterized by their fertile soils and Mediterranean weather. There, wine grape of the following varieties is produced: Merlot, Carmenére and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aside from the vineyards, these orchards grow plums, kiwis, blueberries where the hot summers kick-start the harvesting season.
The Curico valley also presents high and cold lands where we have delayed harvests which are especially adapted for apples and cherries, because it provides them with an excellent coloration and it extends the season of fresh fruit offer. The most important apple varieties are Royal Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Red Delicias and Pink Lady. As for cherries, the most utilized varieties are Bing, Lapins, Kordia, Sweet Heart and Regina due to their firm quality and resistance to long trips.
The massive variety of fruits produced is possible due to qualified agronomist and administrative teams. They work hand in hand in each productive sector. In modern fruit growing, it is key to have a good working environment inside the company so as to fulfil the expected results. This is the most important factor of our production: the people.

OUR PRODUCTS

Blueberries
Blueberries are berries which grow from their homonym tree coming from the Ericaceous family and of the Vaccinium genus. The height of their trees range from 25 to 150 centimetres. This type is composed by a dozen plants that produce dark-coloured berries – blueish or reddish – rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids, vegetal pigments which give them their characteristic colour and excellent antioxidant properties.
Neutraceutical Properties:
Their consumption is typical in the Northern Hemisphere, where they are valued not only for their flavour, but also for its medicinal properties (antioxidant and antibiotic). Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C, stimulants of the natural defences of the body and powerful antioxidants; they block the production of enzymes that the cancerous cells needs to multiply and produce tumours; they present antibacterial properties and can mitigate digestive pain. They diminish the incidence of atheroma plates in the arteries (which reduces the risk of heart attack, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, among others), cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer. Also, it reduces the aging process.
Varieties: EMERALD, O'NEAL, DUKE, LEGACY, BRIGGITA
Approximate harvest season: November – January
Cold storage lifespan: 40 days
Neutraceutical Properties:
Their consumption is typical in the Northern Hemisphere, where they are valued not only for their flavour, but also for its medicinal properties (antioxidant and antibiotic). Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C, stimulants of the natural defences of the body and powerful antioxidants; they block the production of enzymes that the cancerous cells needs to multiply and produce tumours; they present antibacterial properties and can mitigate digestive pain. They diminish the incidence of atheroma plates in the arteries (which reduces the risk of heart attack, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, among others), cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer. Also, it reduces the aging process.
Varieties: EMERALD, O'NEAL, DUKE, LEGACY, BRIGGITA
Approximate harvest season: November – January
Cold storage lifespan: 40 days

Cherries
Cherries are sweet fruits from the cherry tree from the Rose family of the Prunus genus. This family includes more than 2000 species of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees distributed through the mild weather regions all around the world. There are hundreds of cherry varieties. Wild cherries, classified as sour fruits, are called Morello cherries and they are the predecessors of all current varieties.
Nutraceutical Properties
They are considered a good source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids which make them exceptional antioxidants. However, what truly distinguishes cherries as protecting food against cancer is their high amount of ellagic acid, a substance which inhibits the reproductions of cancerous cells.
Black cherries contain more iron, magnesium and potassium than the other lighter varieties. All of them are a good source of silicon and pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene).
Varieties: SANTINA, RAINIER, LAPINS, SUMMIT, BING, REGINA, KORDIA, SKEENA, SWEET HEART
Approximate harvest season: November – December
Cold storage lifespan: 40 days
Nutraceutical Properties
They are considered a good source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids which make them exceptional antioxidants. However, what truly distinguishes cherries as protecting food against cancer is their high amount of ellagic acid, a substance which inhibits the reproductions of cancerous cells.
Black cherries contain more iron, magnesium and potassium than the other lighter varieties. All of them are a good source of silicon and pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene).
Varieties: SANTINA, RAINIER, LAPINS, SUMMIT, BING, REGINA, KORDIA, SKEENA, SWEET HEART
Approximate harvest season: November – December
Cold storage lifespan: 40 days

Plums
Plums are the fruit of species of the Prunus genus, they are drupes, that is, fleshy fruits with a single seed. There are several varieties of plums of different colours and sizes. Some of them have yellow, white, green or red pulp.
Plums are composed by 80% water, fibre, has almost no calories and carbohydrates.
Plums contain:
- Vitamins: a lot of A, C, B1, B2, E.
- Minerals: potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, sulphur
- Others: pectins, fructose, niacin, theanine, riboflavin.
Properties – benefits. Recommended for:
- Intestinal transit issues, constipation (powerful laxative effects)
- Anaemia
- Diarrhoea: pectin regulates the intestine
- Cough, bronchitis
- Skin, sight, teeth, bones.
- Highly detoxifiying which acts against obesity, skin, gout, arthritis and rheumatic problems.
- Facilitates digestion
Varieties: ANGELENO, BLACK AMBER, FLAVOR RICH, FORTUNE, FRIAR, LARRY ANN, PINK DELIGHT
Approximate harvest season: December – February
Cold storage lifespan: 2 months
Plums are composed by 80% water, fibre, has almost no calories and carbohydrates.
Plums contain:
- Vitamins: a lot of A, C, B1, B2, E.
- Minerals: potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, sulphur
- Others: pectins, fructose, niacin, theanine, riboflavin.
Properties – benefits. Recommended for:
- Intestinal transit issues, constipation (powerful laxative effects)
- Anaemia
- Diarrhoea: pectin regulates the intestine
- Cough, bronchitis
- Skin, sight, teeth, bones.
- Highly detoxifiying which acts against obesity, skin, gout, arthritis and rheumatic problems.
- Facilitates digestion
Varieties: ANGELENO, BLACK AMBER, FLAVOR RICH, FORTUNE, FRIAR, LARRY ANN, PINK DELIGHT
Approximate harvest season: December – February
Cold storage lifespan: 2 months

Apples
Apples are fruits from the apple trees coming from the Rose family of the Malus genus. It could be stated that the growing of apples is as old as humankind itself, being the apple tree the most cultivated fruit tree worldwide.
Properties of apples:
- Useful for diabetes patients, pectin helps to maintain sugar levels stable.
- Pectin helps our body to eliminate heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
- The habitual consumption of apple can help people with high cholesterol levels..
- It is effective against constipation and diarrhoea.
- Apples clean teeth and strengthen gums.
Nutritional Information of the apple:
- It contains quercetin, which can be an authentic tonic for the heart and blood circulation.
- It contains malic and tartaric acids, especially effective on the digestion of fatty foods.
- Great source of vitamin C which assists the immune system.
- Apples are a good source of fibre.
Varieties: ROYAL GALA, PINK LADY
Approximate harvest season: February – May
Cold storage lifespan: 6 months
Properties of apples:
- Useful for diabetes patients, pectin helps to maintain sugar levels stable.
- Pectin helps our body to eliminate heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
- The habitual consumption of apple can help people with high cholesterol levels..
- It is effective against constipation and diarrhoea.
- Apples clean teeth and strengthen gums.
Nutritional Information of the apple:
- It contains quercetin, which can be an authentic tonic for the heart and blood circulation.
- It contains malic and tartaric acids, especially effective on the digestion of fatty foods.
- Great source of vitamin C which assists the immune system.
- Apples are a good source of fibre.
Varieties: ROYAL GALA, PINK LADY
Approximate harvest season: February – May
Cold storage lifespan: 6 months

Pears
They belong to to the Rose family, which includes more than 2000 species of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees distributed through the mild weather regions worldwide. The main European fruits which belong to this big family are: apples, medlars, quinces, plums, strawberries, blackberries, etc. Their shape depends on the variety and it ranges from that of an apple and that of a tear. Likewise, their flavour, texture and colour varying from yellow to green passing through shades of red and brownish.
Properties of pears:
- Pears are optimal for people living with diabetes since they help to maintain the sugar levels in the blood.
- Their habitual consumption can help to maintain cholesterol levels stable.
- Rich in pectin which alleviates heavy digestions.
- Pears are useful for losing weight, between meals, since their fibre contents provide a sensation of fullness and clean the body.
Nutritional Information of the pear:
- Rich in soluble fibre, it acts as a regulator.
- It contains beta-carotene (ideal for skin, sight and defences). Good source of vitamin C and potassium.
- It is a good source of energy, carbohydrates release slowly, which makes it ideal for sportsmen.
Varieties:FORELLE Approximate harvest season: February – March Cold storage lifespan: 6 months
Properties of pears:
- Pears are optimal for people living with diabetes since they help to maintain the sugar levels in the blood.
- Their habitual consumption can help to maintain cholesterol levels stable.
- Rich in pectin which alleviates heavy digestions.
- Pears are useful for losing weight, between meals, since their fibre contents provide a sensation of fullness and clean the body.
Nutritional Information of the pear:
- Rich in soluble fibre, it acts as a regulator.
- It contains beta-carotene (ideal for skin, sight and defences). Good source of vitamin C and potassium.
- It is a good source of energy, carbohydrates release slowly, which makes it ideal for sportsmen.
Varieties:FORELLE Approximate harvest season: February – March Cold storage lifespan: 6 months

Kiwis
Kiwis come from a climbing plant which carries the same name and belongs to the Actinidiaceae family. It includes around 300 trees and shrubs, many of them are climbing and ornamental plants typical to Asia. In spite of their unattractive external look, kiwis are scrumptious fruits containing interesting nutritious properties and quite healthy due to their high levels of vitamin C.
Nutritious Properties:
Their major component is water. Due to their amount of carbohydrates represents a moderate caloric intake. Their amount of vitamin C is remarkable: more than twice of that of oranges, and group B vitamins, such as folic acid. Additionally, they are rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium and fibre, soluble and insoluble, with a powerful laxative effect. Fibre improves intestinal transit. Vitamin C intervenes in the formation of collagen, bones and teeth, red blood cells and favour the absorption of iron from foods and builds resistance against infections. Folic acid assists in the production of red and white blood cells, genetic material synthesis and the formation of antibodies of the immune system. Magnesium is related to the function of the intestines, nerves, muscles, it is part of bones and teeth, improves immunity and carries a soft laxative effect. Potassium is necessary for the transmission and generation of nerve impulse, for normal muscle activity and intervenes in the balance of water in and out of the cell.
Kiwis are fruits with high amounts of water and fibre, however, they stand out due to their high levels of vitamin C and E.
Varieties: HAYWARD
Approximate harvest season: April
Cold storage lifespan: 4 months
Nutritious Properties:
Their major component is water. Due to their amount of carbohydrates represents a moderate caloric intake. Their amount of vitamin C is remarkable: more than twice of that of oranges, and group B vitamins, such as folic acid. Additionally, they are rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium and fibre, soluble and insoluble, with a powerful laxative effect. Fibre improves intestinal transit. Vitamin C intervenes in the formation of collagen, bones and teeth, red blood cells and favour the absorption of iron from foods and builds resistance against infections. Folic acid assists in the production of red and white blood cells, genetic material synthesis and the formation of antibodies of the immune system. Magnesium is related to the function of the intestines, nerves, muscles, it is part of bones and teeth, improves immunity and carries a soft laxative effect. Potassium is necessary for the transmission and generation of nerve impulse, for normal muscle activity and intervenes in the balance of water in and out of the cell.
Kiwis are fruits with high amounts of water and fibre, however, they stand out due to their high levels of vitamin C and E.
Varieties: HAYWARD
Approximate harvest season: April
Cold storage lifespan: 4 months

Wines
Our wines are the outcome of sustained and careful work which starts in the vineyards. We possess our own grapevines allowing us to maintain the excellence from the origin. We handle our fruits to reach the best results in our wines. These are processed in our winery that stores 3.600.000 L.
Our grape varieties are:
White grape varieties:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
Red grape varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Carmenere
Benefits of wine drinkin:
Drinking wine produces, in most people, a great pleasure. Some time ago, it was stated that along with its pleasing smell, colour and flavour, wine improves health. This piece of news was revealed a couple of years ago when it was discovered that wine works vasodilator and, therefore, it helps to improve the functions of our hearts.
Then, controversy arose, how was it possible for someone to advise alcohol consumption? As years go by, new discoveries about its benefits have been discovered, as long as the intake is moderate. It is more than evident that limitless drinking is not good for anyone. However, drinking red wine moderately is clearly the healthiest when having meals since it reduces heart related issues.
Dementia delay
There is even more than what was previously mentioned. In the last months, research has gone further than anyone could have imagined. There are studies that asseverate that there is an inverse relation between moderate wine drinking and the first signs of dementia, that is, wine helps to remember. This statement comes from the Pellegrin Hospital of Bordeaux, where 4000 people over 65 where monitored.
Reduction in Alzheimer rate
Participants in the study were classified as non-consumers, light, moderate and major consumers. Moderate consumers presented, as compared with non-consumers, a reduction of 80% in the frequency of dementia and 75% in that of Alzheimer. The percentage dropped to 55% in major consumers and diminished 25% in light consumers. The reality shown by the researchers cannot be explained via medical, psychological nor socio-familiar factors. Perhaps, the reasoning behind it is simpler having its origin in the joy and pleasure that wine produces in humans.
Aside from memory, wine can help see clearer as long as its intake is not more than one or two glasses during meals. Due to its antioxidant effect, broths can prevent the degeneration of the macula, a problem that is frequently found in elders over 65 years old. Research conducted in The American Geriatrics Society about 3000 men and women of ages ranging from 45 to 74, affirms that elders who drink wine have a 19% less risk of having this disease.
We export worldwide via 20-feet containers with Flexitank inside of 24,000 L. We also dispatch via tanker trucks across the country.[/accordion_item][/accordion]
Our grape varieties are:
White grape varieties:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
Red grape varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Carmenere
Benefits of wine drinkin:
Drinking wine produces, in most people, a great pleasure. Some time ago, it was stated that along with its pleasing smell, colour and flavour, wine improves health. This piece of news was revealed a couple of years ago when it was discovered that wine works vasodilator and, therefore, it helps to improve the functions of our hearts.
Then, controversy arose, how was it possible for someone to advise alcohol consumption? As years go by, new discoveries about its benefits have been discovered, as long as the intake is moderate. It is more than evident that limitless drinking is not good for anyone. However, drinking red wine moderately is clearly the healthiest when having meals since it reduces heart related issues.
Dementia delay
There is even more than what was previously mentioned. In the last months, research has gone further than anyone could have imagined. There are studies that asseverate that there is an inverse relation between moderate wine drinking and the first signs of dementia, that is, wine helps to remember. This statement comes from the Pellegrin Hospital of Bordeaux, where 4000 people over 65 where monitored.
Reduction in Alzheimer rate
Participants in the study were classified as non-consumers, light, moderate and major consumers. Moderate consumers presented, as compared with non-consumers, a reduction of 80% in the frequency of dementia and 75% in that of Alzheimer. The percentage dropped to 55% in major consumers and diminished 25% in light consumers. The reality shown by the researchers cannot be explained via medical, psychological nor socio-familiar factors. Perhaps, the reasoning behind it is simpler having its origin in the joy and pleasure that wine produces in humans.
Aside from memory, wine can help see clearer as long as its intake is not more than one or two glasses during meals. Due to its antioxidant effect, broths can prevent the degeneration of the macula, a problem that is frequently found in elders over 65 years old. Research conducted in The American Geriatrics Society about 3000 men and women of ages ranging from 45 to 74, affirms that elders who drink wine have a 19% less risk of having this disease.
We export worldwide via 20-feet containers with Flexitank inside of 24,000 L. We also dispatch via tanker trucks across the country.[/accordion_item][/accordion]

Our Services
Located a few kilometres away from Curico, on one side of the main by-land route of Chile, AMS Family SA owns a Fruit Plant where several tasks are performed such as reception of fruit, weighbridge, cold storage, and the process, inspection and dispatch of export fruits.So as to accomplish all these duties, the plant currently has different packing areas and process lines for each of the species processed during the year.
Packing and process lines
- Two traditional packing areas for apples.
- An Presizer for apples. Made in Italy (Brand: Aweta) with 56 water channels and 3D tech for defects selection.
- A confection line also for apples from Italy (brand: Aweta).
- A packing area for kiwis and plums.
- A packaging line for pears Abatte Fetel, from Argentina (brand: Prodol)
- An electronic packaging line for cherries (brand: United).
- A Blueberry Process Line, consisting of 3 clamshell fillers (Brand: A&B and Ponis)
- An Presizer for apples. Made in Italy (Brand: Aweta) with 56 water channels and 3D tech for defects selection.
- A confection line also for apples from Italy (brand: Aweta).
- A packing area for kiwis and plums.
- A packaging line for pears Abatte Fetel, from Argentina (brand: Prodol)
- An electronic packaging line for cherries (brand: United).
- A Blueberry Process Line, consisting of 3 clamshell fillers (Brand: A&B and Ponis)
Our plant owns 33 cold stores, 4 of these are Controlled Atmosphere Cold Storage. We also have two loading docks located in the rear side of the collecting chambers of export apples, packing tools and pesticides warehouses, agricultural bin-wash, two chambers of phosphine fumigation, forced-air precooling tunnels, a weighbridge for trucks, hydrobins for cherries, a canteen for the staff, and offices for administration and procedures.