Meet Jorge Matetic: A Story of entrepreneurship and family companies in the wine industry.
Company: Matetic Wine Group
Industries: Wine Industry
Jorge Matetic is the fifth generation within the renowned Matetic family conglomerate, a dynamic Chilean corporate holding with a presence spanning across multiple industries including steel, agriculture, winery, gastronomy, aerospace, and tourism sectors.
Jorge Matetic,
MBA at Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business
1YMBA, 2024
Within the circle of the Babson Family Business Club, it is our honor to have Jorge Matetic as an esteemed member. His modesty & geniality set him apart, adding invaluable depth to our collective.
Business Model:
The Matetic family Group, with its rich tapestry of history spanning five generations, stands as a beacon of enduring legacy. As it embarks on a transition to the fifth generation, Jorge Matetic emerges as a vanguard of this fresh chapter. The foundational pillars that have steadfastly steered the group's journey—sustainability, innovation, and excellence—remain as resolute as ever.
Matetic Wine Group:
The Matetic Wine Group, renowned for spearheading eco-conscious viticulture, specializes in the craft of organic and biodynamic wines. This family-operated connoisseur of boutique wines has etched its presence on the global stage, particularly in the U.S. market. Celebrated for its commitment to organic practices, sustainability, and superior quality, the group's products grace tables across states such as Florida, California, and New York.
In the United States, their business model hinges on one importer, who then distributes these exquisite wines to distributors and further to retailers, thereby weaving the Matetic name into the fabric of the global wine industry.The distinctiveness of Matetic wines stems from their exceptional taste, a testament to the remarkable terroir of their vineyards.
Valley of Casablanca and San Antonio:
Nestled within the fertile expanses of the Casablanca and San Antonio valleys, the wine company's twin wineries are a testament to their foundational values. Emphasizing collaborative spirit and familial bonds, the wineries cultivate not just vines, but a robust sense of community. Ownership by the family infuses a heartfelt connection to the land and the people, while the company's commitment to the environment is mirrored in its chemical-free practices.
This valley's subtle diurnal temperature variations ensure a stable, elongated ripening period, fostering well-rounded wines with a superior grape balance, attributed to the gentle climatic conditions.
AZA:
A distinguished entity in the arena of steel manufacturing, their operational essence is centered on the transformative reclamation of scrap metal, crafting it into eco-friendly steel wires and materials.
“Keep calm & pour on.” - Jorge Matetic
Recent Triumphs: Terra Pura Wines
A major triumph for the Matetic Group has been the successful implementation of their diversification strategy, broadening their offerings to encompass all price segments. The introduction of Terra Pura enabled them to market wines at more accessible price points, collaborating with 60 different producers across various Chilean valleys. This expansion not only broadens their portfolio but also supports local producers and stimulates economic growth in rural communities throughout Chile.
Impact of COVID and Macroeconomic Events:
On one end, the relatively less expensive wine segment (Terra Pura) was performing extremely well during COVID, as supermarkets were open, and a lot of clients would purchase and stock wine before it got sold out as there was an excessive demand for this type of wine. On the other end, there was major overstocking of the expensive wine as the demand for this had dropped significantly.
About Jorge:
Jorge Matetic epitomizes a driven individual with entrepreneurship woven into his DNA. He loves travelling, his favourite weekend getaway is any beach location away from the cold New England weather.
Within the family business, there are well-defined roles and responsibilities for each member. We wish him the best as he will be continuing to grow his family business for many years to come.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights from our vibrant community of family business enthusiasts.
This story was written exclusively for the Babson Family Business Club by Dheeraj Ramesh Pherwani & Ishaan Jain, Members of the Babson Family Business Club.