Conservas Centauro is in the processed fruit industry Conservas Centauro sells many kinds of fruits and vegetables. They also sell a few prepared meals like pork and beans. Centauro is an international company, and sells its products to many places around the world.

Some of Conservas Centauro’s competitors are AgroFoods Central Valley Chile, Nestlé Chile, Comercial Fruticola, Copefrut, and Alimentos y Frutos. An advantage for Conservas Centauro is that the company owns a can supplier, and also some of the farms where the company’s fruit is grown.

Chile is a leading country in the production of fruits and vegetables. Chile exports over 200 thousand tons of 50 different kinds of fruits and vegetables every year. Sales of Chilean fruits and vegetables was over 1,200 million dollars, and the U.S. imported more than 140 million dollars of fruits and vegetables from Chile in Chile is know as one of the top exporters of tomato paste. Processed Fruit industry in Chile

 Founded in 1908 in Quillota, a small town approx. 120km north of Santiago  Towards end of WWII, focused on canning of legumes, peas, corn and green beans  In the 1950’s, began to manufacture its own containers and became more self-sufficient  Also expanded product list ◦ Peaches, apricots, strawberries, fruit cocktails, jams, whole peeled tomatoes

 In 1985, shipped first exports to Japanese market  In 1987, entered North American market with a line of canned tomatoes  Today, they export to many countries including Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, and the United States

 High success in the canned fruit and vegetable industry in Chile  Industry’s regional leader  Strong investment  Skilled labor  State-of-the-art food processing technology

 World leader  One of the safest and most reliable suppliers to international markets  Country mainly exports products

 Boiled ◦ Acidic Fruits  pH under 4.6  Pressure Canned ◦ Meats ◦ Dairy ◦ Poultry ◦ Lowly Acidic Fruits  pH above 4.6

 Double seamed cans ◦ Airtight ◦ Reduces contamination  Hollow cylinder of tin ◦ Ends are cut to produce flared edges ◦ Bottom lid is pressed in place ◦ Food is input ◦ Top lid is placed and sealed ◦ Edges bent inward ◦ Heat sealed

 Can Maker  Production Line  Food Packaging  Sealer

 Inputs ◦ Fruits, Vegetables, and Tin ◦ Fruits and vegetables grown on site ◦ Aluminum produced in Chile and South America  Final Products ◦ Important Chilean exports ◦ Exported through Pacific Ocean

 Microbacterial Infections ◦ Sanitary facilities ◦ Airtight seals  Machinery  Worker skill level ◦ None

 Mechanical ◦ Machinery  Industrial ◦ Production Line  Chemical ◦ Food Processes

 How is the firm affected by the government and the politics of the country?  Has the recent economic downturn in the US and other countries affected the firm’s exports?  What type of advances technologically has the firm made in order to better their business?

 What is the first company that comes to mind when you think of fruits and vegetables?  Why isn’t Conservas Centauro a part of the Asociación de Empresas de Alimentos de Chile(Chilean Food Industry Association)?  Do you see any disadvantages to not being a part of the Asociación de Empresas de Alimentos de Chile?

 What are the input costs of the machinery used?  Do you produce the cans on site, or purchase them elsewhere?  What is the sterilization process you use?

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