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The world's largest cork producer, Amorim from Portugal, is currently having trial plantations established in which the development of the bark of cork oaks is to be reduced from 25 years to eight to ten years. The chairman of the board of directors, Antonio Amorim, told "Drinks Business" that his company wants to respond to the growing demand for cork closures and make production more attractive for owners of oak forests. With the help of new varieties, shorter tree spacing and controlled drip irrigation in the first growth phases, scientists hope to achieve this goal. To achieve this, Amorim is investing in a farm with 3,000 hectares of land. If the project works, it would mean a revolution for the entire cork industry, Amorim stressed.
So far, a cork oak needs about 25 years of growth until the first harvest, nine more years will follow until the second. But only after the third harvest, i.e. after 43 years, is the cork good enough to be used as a bottle cork, according to Amorim. With the new method, it could be suitable after 25-28 years. With this, Amorim also wants to make cultivation more lucrative for farmers.
According to his own statements, Amorim does not own oak forests, but buys the required cork quantities on the free market.
(uka / Photo: Cordoniu)