One of the pioneers of Spanish agriculture, Muñoz took Murcian produce to the world
Antonio Muñoz Armero, the founder of the AMC Group holding company, has died at the age of 93. Muñoz was a towering presence in Spanish agriculture, turning the company he inherited from his father into a holding group made up of more than 70 companies with annual sales of €1.3bn.
AMC Group was created in 1931 by Antonio Muñoz Muñoz, trading paprika and later lemons. But it was Muñoz Armero that oversaw its global expansion, forging into new markets from Russia to the US and Asia. Until recently, he still visited the company’s offices in Espinardo daily to keep abreast of its progress.
Today, Muñoz’s son, Álvaro Muñoz Beraza leads AM Fresh, the fresh fruit branch of the group and his brother Antonio oversees AMC Natural Drinks. The third brother, Carlos, is the founder and CEO of the airline Volotea.
AM Fresh said: ”Antonio Muñoz Armero’s journey was not just one of remarkable achievements; it was a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment. As the second generation and indubitable contributor to the growth of our company, his unique personality and passion for excellence have left an indelible mark on all of us.
”Throughout his illustrious career, Antonio played a pivotal role in positioning Spain as a global leader in fresh fruits, setting new standards of quality and innovation that continue to shape our industry today. His tireless dedication, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm for surprising the world with the exceptional, has inspired us all to reach new heights of achievement.
”Antonio was a constant presence within our community, his work ethic, dedication, and accessibility guiding us all. His love for our company and his boundless generosity of spirit will forever remain at the heart of AM Fresh Group. For our CEO, his family, and many members of the AM Fresh community, our Honorary President Antonio has been a constant inspiration, guiding us in all aspects of life—as a father, an entrepreneur, a husband, and a person.”
The president of the Region of Murcia, Fernando López Miras, described Muñoz as “a business leader who has taken the name of the Region of Murcia to the whole world”.
In 2023, Muñoz was awarded the Regional Confederation of Business Organisations of Murcia (CROEM) Gold Medal in recognition of his professional achievements.
CROEM president José María Albarracín said the business world had lost an “authentic bastion” and “a man who had forged the history of entrepreneurship not only in the Region. of Murcia, but in the whole of Spain”.
“Antonio opened Murcia to the world and broke cultural and political barriers so that his products reached inaccessible markets until that time,” Albarracín said.
The funeral in his memory will be held next Sunday in the church of the Jerónimos Monastery, in the UCAM.
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