3433 Westwind Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA, United States of America, 95403

www.masilva.com

707-636-2530

kvalenzuela@masilva.com

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M. A. SILVA Announces New Management Structure Neil Foster Transitioning Leadership to Silva Family from Portugal

Neil FosterSANTA ROSA, CA: January 15, 2025 – M. A. SILVA, a global leader in the cork industry, announced today that Neil Foster will retire from M. A. Silva USA. Since its establishment in 2000, M. A. Silva USA has become a leading provider of premium corks, glass, and packaging for the North American wine industry. Foster, alongside his long-time partner, the Silva family of Portugal, has built a company renowned for its quality, customer service, and sustainability.

With Neil Foster’s planned retirement, the Silva family will assume full management of M. A. Silva USA, ensuring continuity in the company’s commitment to its customers and employees. “The Silva family has been an integral part of this journey from the beginning,” said Foster. “Their leadership and our shared values will continue to uphold the standards and relationships that have made M.A. Silva USA a trusted name in the industry.”

“The transition reinforces M. A. Silva’s dedication to providing consistent, high-quality products and services to its customers.” explained José Silva. He continued “Customers and employees alike can expect seamless operations and the same commitment to excellence that has defined the company for over two decades.”

Jose Silva

There is no predecessor announced at this time, although during this transition, Foster will remain involved in a consulting role to provide guidance and support to both the internal team and customers. New management is expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the Silva family put roles into place.

About M. A. Silva USA

M. A. Silva USA is the leading and award-winning manufacturer of premium corks, glass, and packaging for North American markets. Their mission to demonstrate impeccable integrity, consistent customer service, and continuous commitment to upholding sustainable and eco-friendly operations. M. A. Silva USA was established in 2000 by cork industry experts Neil Foster and Manuel Alves Silva Sr., founder of M. A. Silva Portugal, a family-owned and operated company with a 50-year history of wine cork manufacturing. M.A. Silva USA can be reached at 707.636.2530 or www.masilva.com.

About M. A. Silva Portugal

Founded in 1972 and based in Mozelos, Feira, Portugal, M.A. Silva is a global leader in the cork stopper market with a fully vertically integrated approach. Renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, the company maintains extensive international operations. Key assets include a 105,000 m² raw material center in Alter do Chão, Alentejo, three processing facilities in northern Portugal, and six distribution units across Spain, France, Italy, Brazil, China, and the USA. Additionally, M.A. Silva is represented by over 10 exclusive agents in regions including Germany, Austria, and Australia. In 2023 alone, the company produced over 600 million corks, serving more than 8,000 clients worldwide, with 90% of its production exported, supported by a dedicated team of over 420 employees.

Neil Foster

M. A. SILVA Introduces NOBELTECH®: First AI-Driven Cork Technology,Setting a New Standard in Quality and Sustainability

SANTA ROSA, CA: November 11, 2024 – M.A. SILVA, a global leader in the cork industry, proudly launches NOBELTECH®, a groundbreaking innovation that combines artificial intelligence with premium cork production. As the first cork company to utilize AI to ensure unparalleled product quality, M.A. SILVA sets a new industry standard with its NOBELTECH® and NOBEL CORKSTOPPERS® product lines, merging tradition with cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

The NOBELTECH® platform integrates three advanced technologies to deliver the most performant and sustainable corks available on the market.

  1. SARA ADVANCED® – Sensory Uniformity
    A continuous and automatic extraction process ensures the removal of volatiles for sensory consistency. The system uses controlled temperature, pressure, and dry steam to preserve the cork’s elastic memory, safeguarding its structural integrity.
  2. BIONICEYE® – AI & Machine Learning
    This technology employs ultra-sensitive cameras and machine learning algorithms to perform piece-by-piece selection and grading. The result is enhanced sustainability, as the process requires fewer steps while optimizing efficiency and achieving superior quality assurance.
  3. RAY SYSTEM® – Thermal Radiation Desorption
    By applying a thermal gradient, the RAY SYSTEM® efficiently extracts TCA and other volatiles while maintaining the cork’s intrinsic humidity. This thermal desorption process guarantees sensory neutrality, making NOBELTECH® the best extraction solution on the market.

By combining the SARA ADVANCED® process, BIONICEYE®, and the RAY SYSTEM®, M.A. SILVA achieves unmatched sensory neutrality and product consistency.

“With NOBELTECH®, we are not just innovating; we are redefining the standard of excellence in the cork industry,” said José Silva, CEO of M.A. SILVA. “By combining tradition with cutting-edge AI technology, we’re able to deliver corks that are not only superior in performance but also sustainable, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

M.A. SILVA’s sustainability initiatives include using solar panels and biomass energy, achieving a negative CO2 balance of -267.7g per natural cork. This commitment is aligned with the company’s Terroir philosophy, which emphasizes sourcing the highest quality cork from the fertile regions of the Iberian Peninsula, such as Alentejo, Algarve, Extremadura, and Andalusia.

About M. A. Silva USA

M. A. Silva USA is the leading and award-winning manufacturer of premium corks, glass, and packaging for North American markets. Their mission to demonstrate impeccable integrity, consistent customer service, and continuous commitment to upholding sustainable and eco-friendly operations. M. A. Silva USA was established in 2000 by cork industry experts Neil Foster and Manuel Alves Silva Sr., founder of M. A. Silva Portugal, a family-owned and operated company with a 50-year history of wine cork manufacturing. M.A. Silva USA can be reached at 707.636.2530 or www.masilva.com.

About M. A. Silva Portugal

Founded in 1972 and based in Mozelos, Feira, Portugal, M.A. Silva is a global leader in the cork stopper market with a fully vertically integrated approach. Renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, the company maintains extensive international operations. Key assets include a 105,000 m² raw material center in Alter do Chão, Alentejo, three processing facilities in northern Portugal, and six distribution units across Spain, France, Italy, Brazil, China, and the USA. Additionally, M.A. Silva is represented by over 10 exclusive agents in regions including Germany, Austria, and Australia. In 2023 alone, the company produced over 600 million corks, serving more than 8,000 clients worldwide, with 90% of its production exported, supported by a dedicated team of over 420 employees.

Cork NobleTech Sara Advanced

Why Schweiger Switched to MA Silva for Sky-High Standards

Andy Schweiger 

Some may say Andy Schweiger has his head in the clouds. His winery, is, after all, 2,000 feet off the valley floor on the top of Spring Mountain. With such lofty fruit, one can imagine Andy has top-level quality goals for all his suppliers.

Indeed, Andy admits to working with many different cork suppliers for years to establish his own meticulous list of criteria, service expectations, and quality control standards. “Other companies would nod at my requirements and gave me lip service,” recalls Andy, “but MAS actually listened and took my requests to heart.”

Since that first meeting, M. A. Silva has endured at Schweiger by striving for increasingly high quality in all Andy’s cork deliveries. By periodically announcing new technological innovations like the Dynavox system and SARA Advanced process, the supplier continues to methodically test and improve so they can deliver the highest level of quality cork for every order.

Andy cites M.A. Silva’s penchant for technological advancement in an otherwise ancient process as the secret to their high bar for quality. He explains that his sales reps are perpetually working to improve and educate. “I continue to learn things from them. It’s a true partnership. We support each other – it’s not a relationship where they just sell me things and I just pay them.”

“With former vendors I kept running into a choke neck problem, but as soon as I switched to the product from M.A. Silva, I haven’t had that issue and we’re able to get more consistent fill heights.”

– Winemaker Andy Schweiger

Andy got so comfortable with M.A. Silva with his cork supply that he eventually switched his glass purchases to the company. In the glass marketplace, Andy feels M.A. Silva provides an exceptional quality for the price. “The molds and shapes that they provide and have readily available Is visibly identical of the forms you get from France at 10x the cost,” says Andy.

He continues to explain that M.A. Silva continued to meet his extraordinary quality expectations as his new glass supplier. He found the glass quality control conducted by M.A. Silva to be much more reliable than with former vendors. “With former vendors I kept running into a choke neck problem, but as soon as I switched to the product from M.A. Silva, I haven’t had that issue and we’re able to get more consistent fill heights.”

That continual top-level quality doesn’t come at the expense of sustainability. The lightweight bottles are a hit with both his staff and his clients. Andy can keep his case weight at 38lbs – which is one of the items on Andy’s checklist. “Our staff don’t break their backs and shipping fees don’t break our customers banks,” he says.

The more checks Andy can mark on his quality checklist is all good news for Schweiger Vineyards. Andy knows by partnering with M.A. Silva to meet his high demands, he can keep shipping wine from his mountaintop to his consumers, and trust his wine is in top form.

Become one of our clients and create a story of your own. Contact us for a quote.

Andy Schweiger Schweiger Vineyards Cork

USITC Overturns Countervailing Duties on Imported Wine Bottles

Great news! The U.S. International Trade Commission has overturned the countervailing duties on imported wine bottles following the suit brought by Ardagh and the Steelworkers Union. This decision means that M.A. Silva can continue offering the highest standards in wine bottle production without the added cost burden from these duties.

We hope that anti-dumping duties will also be eliminated soon, which will further enhance our ability to deliver competitively priced, top-quality bottles to all of our valued customers.

With this recent development, we can maintain our commitment to providing the finest private mold wine bottle options and are excited to expand our glass offerings. In addition to our superior imported glass bottles, we now offer domestic, European, and Chilean-manufactured options, ensuring a wide range of choices for your needs.

Please don't hesitate to contact your local M.A. Silva representative to discuss these new opportunities and learn more about how we can support your business with quality and competitive pricing.

Your trusted partner

M. A. Silva USA

Bottles Glass

Cork Forests: Guardians of Ecological Balance

Cork tree in cork forest in Portugal


M. A. Silva USA was the first California cork supplier to join the ClimateSmart™ program and receive the Green Business certification. Our beliefs in sustainability are shown through our actions, and are proven through the quality of our cork stoppers, the partnerships we build, and our contribution to an increasingly greener world. M. A. Silva is dedicated to protecting the environment, and helping our customers do the same.  We invite you to learn more about the importance of the worlds cork forests and the vital role they play in environmental sustainability.


Cork Forests: Guardians of Ecological Balance

Cork forests, often overlooked in discussions about the world's ecosystems, play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's ecology. These unique forests, found predominantly in the Mediterranean region, are home to a myriad of species and offer an array of environmental benefits. In this blog, we will explore the importance of cork forests and shed light on their significant contributions to ecological balance, climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, soil preservation, and socio-economic sustainability.


Ecological Balance and Climate RegulationCork tree forest in Portugal

Cork forests act as guardians of ecological balance by efficiently regulating climate patterns. The dense canopy of trees absorbs carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas responsible for climate change, helping to mitigate global warming. Additionally, these forests enhance the water cycle by intercepting rainwater, promoting water infiltration and reducing erosion. This crucial function prevents soil degradation and aids in the maintenance of water resources, ensuring a sustainable habitat for natural biodiversity.


Biodiversity Conservation

Cork forests are biodiversity hotspots, providing refuge to a rich variety of plant and animal species. The complex structure of these forests fosters habitat diversity, accommodating an abundance of flora and fauna. Numerous endangered species, such as the Iberian lynx and the Iberian Imperial Eagle, depend on cork forests for their survival. By safeguarding these forests, we protect the intricate web of life they support, ensuring the preservation of ecosystems and the genetic diversity essential for long-term sustainability.


Soil Preservation and Erosion Control

One of the often-underestimated roles of cork forests is their ability to prevent soil erosion and promote soil preservation. The dense network of roots and the thick layer of leaf litter in these forests act as a natural barrier against soil erosion caused by heavy rainfall and wind. This protective layer also aids in maintaining soil moisture, which is vital for plant growth and sustenance. The organic matter from decomposed leaves enriches the soil, promoting its fertility and providing optimal conditions for various plant species to thrive.


Cork tree by a lake in PortugalSocio-economic Sustainability

Cork forests contribute significantly to the socio-economic sustainability of local communities. The cork industry, which relies on the sustainable extraction of cork bark, provides employment opportunities and supports the livelihoods of many rural populations. This industry values the conservation of cork forests, as the careful harvesting of cork bark encourages the regeneration of trees, ensuring the long-term viability of the forests. Furthermore, cork forests attract ecotourism, benefiting local economies and raising awareness about the importance of these unique ecosystems.

Cork forests are not only aesthetically appealing and culturally significant but are also vital for maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. From climate regulation to biodiversity conservation, soil preservation, and socio-economic sustainability, these forests offer a multitude of benefits. By recognizing and appreciating the importance of cork forests, we can work towards their preservation and sustainable management. The collective efforts to protect these forests will not only ensure a healthy and balanced environment but also contribute to the overall well-being of present and future generations. Let us embrace our responsibility as custodians of the Earth and safeguard these remarkable ecosystems for the benefit of all life.


About M. A. Silva USA

M. A. Silva USA is the leading and award-winning manufacturer of premium corks, glass, and packaging for North American markets. It is our mission to demonstrate impeccable integrity, consistent customer service, and continuously commitment to upholding sustainable and eco-friendly operations.

Cork Cork Supplier Sustainable Environment Portugal Packaging Winemaking Production Wine Industry

See MA Silva's Full Collection of Glass Molds and Natural Cork at the Unified Symposium

M. A. Silva's Unified Wine & Grape Symposium booth will display a full collection of glass molds and natural cork products. Choose from over 35 premade and proprietary molds, or discuss with a representative the creation process of a custom mold. All corks distributed from M. A. Silva are 100% natural cork wood and straight from our suppliers, M. A. Silva Portugal. Corks come in an array of quality, size, and pricing. 

Visit booths 1310 and 332 at the Unified Symposium (Jan. 25-26, 2023) to learn more about our commitment to sustainability in every product we offer. 

M. A. Silva USA is the leading and award-winning manufacturer of premium corks, glass, and packaging for North American markets. It is our mission to demonstrate impeccable integrity, consistent customer service, and continuously commitment to upholding sustainable and eco-friendly operations.

Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

The Quest for the Best Natural Cork Available


With over 50 years in the cork industry, M. A. Silva has sought out certifications and collaborations with industry leaders, research institutions, and standards organizations.

We are always learning, and as a result, our technology is constantly evolving. We strive to bring you the industry’s leading solutions, backed by the best in the business. Learn more about third parties that help us meet and exceed industry standards below.



CORK QUALITY COUNCIL

M. A. Silva is a certified member of the Cork Quality Council, a nonprofit organization founded to improve quality assurance procedures for the wine and cork industries. We adhere to the strict CQC specifications and participate in an annual audit. 



FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

Like you, we are constantly focused on environmental stewardship. M. A. Silva Portugal is certified in FSC, a worldwide program for the responsible management of all forests and forest products, including cork.




C E LIEGE'S SYSTECODE EXCELLENCE

A quality assurance system for the entire cork industry. Our certification ensures that the procedures identified to provide quality cork are being adhered to at every level.




EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES

From SARA Advanced® to NeoTech®, our industry-leading technologies are the result of years in development with European universities and millions of dollars invested in research. 




IN-HOUSE SPECIALISTS

 We partner externally with subject matter experts, and we also hire them to become members of our team! The knowledge and access that they bring to our internal organization is invaluable. 



What does this mean for you? 

We want you to have complete confidence when choosing a cork closure for your products. To learn more about what separates good from great, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our in-house experts.




Wine Industry Partnerships Cork Cork Education

M. A. SILVA AND SMITH-MADRONE CELEBRATE OVER 20 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP


JUNE 1, 2022 – SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA - M. A. Silva USA, the leading manufacturer of premium corks, glass, and packaging in North America, celebrates over 20 years of partnership with Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery. Located in St. Helena, California, Smith-Madrone was founded in 1971 by two brothers, Charlie and Stu Smith. Their highly acclaimed wines have placed the winery in Napa Valley’s spotlight for decades.

To celebrate their long-term partnership, Neil Foster, President and Co-Founder of M. A. Silva, met with Charlie and Stu Smith in their vineyard to share a Smith-Madrone vintage sealed with M. A. Silva’s high-end natural cork. During this time, the three reminisced about their years working together and how the industry has changed. Neil Foster recalls when he first dropped off corks and how they were brought straight to Stu Smith’s home rather than the winery.

The two parties attribute their strong relationship to having the same business values: transparent, sustainable, and consistent. With the combined 70 years of industry experience, the partners have learned to navigate droughts, wild fires, a pandemic, and continue to remain strong.

In closing, Charlie Smith ends with a cheers, “there are a lot of cork suppliers in the wine industry; it’s not an accident we are with M. A. Silva.” Both parties look forward to the years ahead, committed to working together in a long-term partnership.


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ABOUT M.A. SILVA USA - Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva USA is the leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass, and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical, and sensory characteristics of its products.

The company operates on solar power and is committed to sustainability with its eco-friendly operations. M. A. Silva earned both the Sonoma County Green Business Program and ClimateSmart™ certifications and received the Excellence Award for Sustainable Manufacturing by Trade Monthly Magazine.

M.A. Silva USA has received multiple national and international awards for their SARA® Advanced cork sterilization technology. 

For more information on M.A. Silva USA, visit http://www.masilva.com or call 707.636.2530.

Media Contact: Kaylee Valenzuela | 707.543.4401 | kvalenzuela@masilva.com

ABOUT SMITH-MADRONE WINERY - Smith-Madrone is one of Napa Valley’s authentically artisanal wineries, founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith. Winemaking and grape-growing are handled entirely by the two brother-proprietors, Stuart and Charlie Smith. All of Smith-Madrone’s wines come from the 38 acres of estate vineyards surrounding the winery, first planted in 1972 ago by Stuart and Charlie. The vineyards extend across steep mountainsides, at steep slopes at elevations between 1,300 and 1,900 feet. Total production each year is less than 4,000 cases. More at www.smithmadrone.com.


Smith-Madrone’s current releases, all sourced from estate-grown fruit from vineyards surrounding the winery at the top of the Spring Mountain District appellation in the northern Napa Valley, are 2017 Riesling, 2018 Chardonnay, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Rosé and 2013 Cook’s Flat Reserve.

For more information, visit https://www.smithmadrone.com/ or call 707.963.2283.

Media Contact: Julie Ann Kodmur | 707.963.9632 | corking@julieannkodmur.com

M. A. SILVA - NATURAL CORK INNOVATION


Technology Innovation
at Every Step of the Cork Production Process

Like you, we understand the unique privilege of working with an agricultural product. In our pursuit of providing the highest quality natural cork stopper possible, M. A. Silva invests in research and constantly innovates at every step in the process. Using our proprietary and award-winning technology methods, each sequential step ensures that corks arrive clean and ready for bottling.



IMMEDIATELY AFTER HARVEST
Corkwood is seasoned and stabilized for a minimum of 6 months. It is then placed inside our proprietary Dynavox® boiling system to extract TCA, anisoles, and phenols. 


DURING PRODUCTION
Sara Advanced® is M. A. Silva’s state-of-the-art technology developed to sterilize and improve the quality of natural cork stoppers. Agglomerated corks undergo the NeoTech® process.



FINISHED CORK
M. A. Silva leveraged the latest technology in its development of the proprietary Maszone® washing system; a cleansing stage for finished corks.


FINAL INSPECTION
For ultra-premium wine packaging, M. A. Silva’s proprietary OnebyOne® technology, inspects each natural cork individually to detect traces of TCA*.

*Releasable TCA content at or below the 0.5 ng/L detection limit; analysis performed in accordance to ISO 20752.



FULLY TRACEABLE
Our supply chain is 100% vertically integrated, fully traceable and ISO9001 certified. All cork entering our US facility is scrutinized and tested before it is placed in inventory.




Meet Your New Micro-Agglomerated Cork

NEO® cork closures offer increased neutrality while supporting our ongoing commitment to sustainability, thus providing the highest quality technical cork solution.

HIGHLY OPTIMIZED TCA REMOVAL

Our proprietary process uses fluidized bed technology to maximize surface area exposure of the granules through a gaseous suspension to produce a gas-solid reaction. The result is the removal of TCA and other phenolic compounds that lead to off aromas. The consistency and natural physical mechanical properties of cork are preserved.

KEY FEATURES

  • Uniformly sized granules
  • Individually unit molded for uniform distribution of the granules
  • Maintenance of all natural cork attributes
  • FDA-approved food grade bonding agents
  • Optimum consistency in structure and neutrality

SIZES

M. A. Silva offers two products for variable ageability and Oxygen Transfer Rates (OTRs):

  • NEO PRESTIGE® 24x44 mm, 24x47 mm
  • NEO PLUS® 24x 44 mm, 24x47 mm, 24x49 mm

CLEANSING PROCESSES

DYNAVOX®, SARA ADVANCED®, MASZONE®


Neotech Micro-agglomerated cork

About

The M. A. SILVA Advantage: Reliable. Perfect. Proven.

We are the leading and award-winning manufacturer of finest premium corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. We demonstrate impeccable integrity, consistent customer service and are committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. Our company was established in 2000 by cork industry icon Neil Foster and Manuel Alves Silva Sr. of M.A. Silva Portugal, a family-owned and operated company with a 42-year history of cork production and known as an innovator in cork processing and technology.

We import high quality natural cork stoppers from the southern region of Portugal and process them domestically for distribution. Through long-term collaboration with growers, our operations are 100% vertically integrated ensuring complete process control. Our certified quality assurance program ensures that our products provide unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics. Always.

Our glass is sourced from high quality manufacturers controlled 24/7 by M.A. Silva’s on-site quality specialists. Proprietary molds guarantee consistent quality. We develop custom bottle molds and offer a wide range of packaging solutions.

Contact

Contact List

Title Name Email Phone Extension
President Neil Foster neil@masilva.com 707-236-1195
Vice President of Operations Gustavo Beltran gbeltran@masilva.com 707-293-2704
National Sales Manager Ryan Riewerts rriewerts@masilva.com 707-236-2250
Marketing Manager Kaylee Valenzuela kvalenzuela@masilva.com 707-755-1254
Account Manager Alison Gossage alison@masilva.com 707-477-6414
Account Manager Nathalie Durham nathalie@masilva.com 707-326-0294
Account Manager Amy Pecoraro apecoraro@masilva.com 707-755-1168
Account Manager Faith Horner fhorner@masilva.com 707-888-4044
Account Manager - Central Coast Matt Corella mcorella@masilva.com 805-350-3133

Location List

Locations Address State Country Zip Code
M. A. Silva USA 3433 Westwind Blvd, Santa Rosa CA United States of America 95403

List of Locations