At 22, Juan became the youngest director in the history of the National Agricultural Society (SNA), a trade association that represents business owners in the Chilean agricultural sector who actively participate in Chile’s trade agreements with Mercosur and the World Trade Organization.
In 1984, Juan began producing asparagus, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries under the banner of what would become known as Hortifrut, the world’s second largest producer in its sector. He sold his shares in the company in 2009 and has since established numerous other companies in the sector, including the dried fruit and nut exporter Pacific Nuts; the agricultural service firm Coagra, which offers comprehensive solutions to agricultural producers that include everything from fertilizers to financial services; Abrantes, which produces and markets mushrooms; and Banagro, which was formed to assist small- and medium-sized Chilean producers in formulating tailor-made financial solutions. Together these firms provide employment to more than 2,000 individuals.
In 1995, Juan founded Viña Sutil with the goal of demonstrating to the world Chile’s potential as a producer of fine, high quality wines. In 2000, his unwavering entrepreneurial spirit led him to build the boutique hotel Viña La Playa at the company’s iconic Colchagua Valley Vineyard.
In his business career, Juan has given talks and presentations at conferences to promote the development of Chilean agriculture, most notably his idea of developing a “water highway” to bring water to zones where it is scarce.
In 2008, as part of the celebration of its 150th anniversary, the Chilean Chamber of Commerce named Juan “Businessman of the Year” in recognition of his contributions to Chile’s agro-industry.
In 2017 he received the Icare prize in the business category in recognition of his personal and professional achievements and the leadership demonstrated by his companies.
Juan is an active member and director of the Casa de Acogida children’s shelter in San Ambrosio, which he and four friends founded in 1981. This non-profit organization adopts abandoned children and educates them until they complete their higher education at a training institute or university.
Juan is married to María Isabel Condon-Vial and they have four children—Juan, Nicolás, Francisco, and Vicente.
