In the world of sustainable luxury, few brands manage to combine tradition, innovation, and environmental respect as elegantly as Corticeira Amorim! Founded in 1870 in Vila Nova de Gaia (just a few kilometers from Porto), this Portuguese family business is now the global leader in cork processing ; a noble, natural, and 100% recyclable material.

From wine stoppers to cutting-edge architectural applications, Corticeira Amorim embodies Portuguese excellence and a responsible, inventive way of life. And let’s be honest, who would have thought a simple piece of bark could be so chic ?

A Family Saga at the Heart of Portuguese Cork

The story of Corticeira Amorim is, above all, a tale of family, vision, and entrepreneurial courage. It all began in 1870, when António Alves de Amorim (just 19 years old, full of ambition, and probably more energy than a double espresso!) founded his first cork stopper factory in Vila Nova de Gaia. Coming from a modest background, António inherited a small 2.5% share of the family business Amorim & Irmãos after his parents passed away. Not much to dream about at first glance. But he threw himself into the project, built strong relationships with local cork producers, and unknowingly laid the foundations of a future empire. Over the decades, the company grew, diversified, and gained recognition. In 1922, Amorim & Irmãos officially became part of the Corticeira Amorim group, and the story took on national significance.

Américo Amorim, The Visionary Heir

Next came the founder’s grandson, Américo Ferreira Amorim, born in 1934 in Mozelos (Santa Maria da Feira). He transformed the modest business into a global empire. As the owner of 50% of the group, he became one of Portugal’s richest men, with a fortune estimated at $4.8 billion at the time of his death in 2017 (yes, really !). Under his leadership, Corticeira Amorim expanded into new sectors (energy, tourism, infrastructure) while keeping cork at the heart of its identity. Américo was like the “Steve Jobs of cork” : visionary, demanding, and deeply committed to the idea that tradition and modernity can go hand in hand. His legacy is still visible today in every product, every innovation, and in the philosophy that makes cork a symbol of sustainable excellence.

António Rios de Amorim, The Heir of Sustainable Innovation

Since 2001, Américo’s son, António Rios de Amorim, has been leading the group. With a degree in industrial engineering, he joined the company in the 1980s and climbed the ranks step by step, proof that you can run an empire without losing touch with the workshop !

Under his leadership, Corticeira Amorim has doubled down on innovation, design, and sustainability. The company invests heavily in R&D, collaborates with renowned designers and architects, and launches bold projects, from eco-designed furniture to stylish and ethical fashion accessories (those handbags are gorgeous, by the way !).

In 2025, António Rios de Amorim was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator (one of Portugal’s highest honors) and well deserved, we must say ! His mission ? To make cork a material of excellence and a showcase of Portuguese ingenuity on the global stage.

A Global Company with Local Roots

Today, Corticeira Amorim operates in over 100 countries and employs more than 3,600 people. The group is structured into five business units: raw materials, cork stoppers, flooring and wall coverings, composites, and insulation. Each division is a hive of innovation, with quality at its core. Despite its global reach, the company remains true to its roots. Most of its production still takes place in the Porto region, at the heart of the Montado, the magical cork oak ecosystem that serves as Portugal’s green lung. Amorim is deeply committed to preserving this unique environment, supporting local communities, and proving that you can be a global leader without forgetting where you come from. (And honestly, we love that !)

Cork, A Material for the Future

Ah, cork! Once thought of as just for wine stoppers (or classroom bulletin boards), it’s actually a treasure trove of ingenuity. Natural, renewable, recyclable, fire-resistant, lightweight, and hypoallergenic, it’s the superhero of materials !

Corticeira Amorim has fully embraced cork’s potential across multiple sectors.

Wine stoppers : as the world’s largest producer, Amorim guarantees impeccable quality, serving the finest wines (especially those from the Porto region !).

Architecture and design : cork features in landmark projects like the Lisbon cruise terminal, where it’s combined with concrete for a modern yet warm finish. You’ll even see cork-covered building façades in Portugal, a perfect blend of insulation and elegance.

Flooring and wall coverings : Eco-friendly, comfortable, and stylish, a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

Cork composites : used in aerospace and automotive industries, proving that sustainable materials can also deliver high performance.

©AmorimCork

A Commitment to Sustainability

At Amorim, sustainability isn’t a buzzword, it’s a philosophy. The group works to reduce its carbon footprint, promote a circular economy, and protect the biodiversity of the Montado. One standout initiative is the XPÜR® program, which offsets CO2 emissions from cork stopper production. Beyond that, the company actively supports research into sustainable cork oak forest management, ensuring the longevity of this unique resource. Corticeira Amorim isn’t just a successful company…it’s a Portuguese legend ! A story of ancestral craftsmanship, bold innovation, and love for the land. It’s a shining example of resilience and excellence that makes Portugal proud.

So next time you open a bottle of wine, take a look at the cork, it might just come from Vila Nova de Gaia. And in that moment, you’ll be holding a little piece of history… and a big piece of Portugal.