Headquartered in Santiago, Subsole is one of Chile’s largest and most iconic fruit exporters and the largest Chilean exporter of table grapes to global markets. Subsole also has significant programs in citrus, avocados, kiwis, cherries and pomegranates.
Three main themes run throughout Subsole’s history:
The evolution of an enduring, mission-driven company like Subsole is much like writing a book with the entire Subsole team – from those that were there at the company’s founding until today – as the true authors. It is they who continue to craft Subsole’s history, a story with many chapters yet to write.
– MISSION –
To produce and market high-quality fresh fruit in all value-generating markets, thereby developing a sustainable business over time.
– VISION –
To balance long-term profitability with creating positive impacts for the company, its employees, suppliers, growers, society, and the environment.
Subsole has five business units that together, enable the company’s mission of producing superior Chilean fruit for global markets.
That mission begins with the meticulous work of Subsole teams in the field, harvesting high-quality fruit through Los Terrones. Key learning at the production level, particularly around sustainability, is later shared within Subsole’s producer colleagues via Exportadora Subsole and throughout the Frutura family of companies.
Subsole’s work often yields innovations in packing and cold storage and that is handled through Subsole’s Agroindustrial Services business unit.
Delivering superior fruit to Subsole’s home country is the purpose of Subsole Comercial, which supplies supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Chile.
Lastly, with Subsole Servicios Portuarios, port operations are optimized to achieve both maximum agility, as well as protection of the quality of Subsole’s fruit. This effort begins as fruit is first loaded at the port, straight through to when it is received at its international destination.
The power of these highly-efficient business units was multiplied in 2022, when Subsole became part of Frutura (www.fruturaproduce.com). Through Frutura, Subsole added synergies and strength to its business operations via collaboration with sister Frutura companies which include Agrícola Don Ricardo (Peru); Dayka & Hackett (USA); Frutura Uruguay and TerraFresh Organics (USA).
CEO
I grew up in Santiago, Chile, dividing my time between the city and my family’s tree nut and dairy farms, so I haven’t strayed far from either my agricultural or geographic roots. Weekends and summers were spent learning the business from my dad and I did all of the dirtiest jobs, even becoming a pretty skilled mover of cow manure.
I received a degree in Agronomy from the Universidad de Chile, majoring in Fruit Production. My first job after graduating was with Subsole and I’m not alone in my longevity of tenure at the company. The value of the enduring relationships we’ve built together is incalculable. We move as one through challenging, as well as excellent times, and I’m grateful to do so with the team of extraordinary people at Subsole.
It doesn’t seem possible that I’ve been here for two decades. Because we are constantly trying to improve and grow, our work is always interesting and feels fresh. Subsole’s history of progress is now amplified by our association with Frutura and their family of companies. Our team is grateful for the many new opportunities we share and together, we look ahead to a very bright future.
CFO
I grew up in Northern Chile as ‘Ricardo, the doctor’s kid.’ My dad provided care to the residents of our town and through him, I met an incredibly diverse range of people. He later worked for the World Health Organization, focused on the underserved throughout LATAM.
I continued with my public school education at the Universidad de Chile and got a degree in Industrial Engineering. I wanted to solve complex business problems, so I worked in banking, energy and retail.
My early lessons about service, and my experience managing complexity, have come full circle at Subsole. We have many constituencies to consider, but under Juan’s leadership, we’re united in a focus on service of our customers. If we concentrate on them, all other cups will be filled.
I’m grateful to work with such a tremendous group of people, who also share having a great sense of humor. Humor may seem like a small thing to be thankful for, but it helps Subsole be a company of adept problem-solvers who are never defeated. Together, we can do anything.
It is a pleasure for us to work with Subsole and its cherry team, always focused on quality and always willing to implement our suggestions. This is what we look for in a commercial partner and why we have worked together for so many years.
For us, working with Subsole is simply fantastic!…
There is seriousness and speed in everything. It is very reassuring and safe to do business with people who deliver what they offer.
We have been working together with avocados for several years now, serving the market in Spain and Europe. Because of our satisfied customers, at Axarfruit we will continue to bet on many more years of working with Subsole.
Seald Sweet has been doing citrus business with Subsole for over 20 years. Their citrus offerings have always been impeccable in both quality and condition, as well as their thorough communication with us and the receivers. This is a tribute to their production, logistics, and marketing/sales teams. In a word, they are consistent in providing Seald Sweet and the industry with the best quality fruit from the beginning to the end of each Chilean citrus season.
We have been working with Subsole for 20 years, and we have seen how they have been pioneers in sustainable water and energy management. Additionally, we have observed their commitment to social responsibility, evidenced by the continuous communication of their initiatives on the company’s bulletin boards, which we have reviewed during our audits.
