A delegation of 34 Chilean companies are participating at the SIAL, one of the largest food fairs in the world, as they wish to increase their target markets in Europe.
Chile is the world's largest exporter of dried apples and the second biggest exporter of shelled walnuts, prunes and hazelnuts. In order to increase their presence in the emerging field of agro-industries, dried and dehydrated products, 34 Chilean companies and ProChile began their participation in a new edition of SIAL Paris, which this year celebrates its 50th edition.
The Chilean ambassador to France, Patricio Hales, ProChile’s director, Roberto Paiva, and Pedro Duran, ProChile’s director in France, inaugurated the 500 square-meter Chilean Pavilion. In addition to attending the official opening of the Chilean pavilion, the ambassadors of the member countries of the Pacific Alliance toured together the pavilions of the other member countries and tasting the best of the Mexican, Colombian, Peruvian and Chilean supply.
In 2013, Chilean exports of nuts and dried fruits amounted to $735 million, 13% more than in 2012. The main destinations for these products in Europe were Italy, Russia and Germany. Shipments of canned, frozen and concentrated fruit juices and vegetables in this same period totalled 1.105 billion dollars and their main markets in Europe were the Netherlands, Russia and France.
"Europe is a strategic partner for Chile. In 2013, Chilean food exports to Europe totalled 3.644 million dollars, i.e. 24% of our shipments in the sector worldwide," said Roberto Paiva. "Participating in the SIAL allows us to reaffirm our presence in established markets, such as France, Spain and Germany, and approach others, such as Poland, Turkey and Russia," he added.
Chile, a provider of value
Some of the innovations that the Chilean companies are presenting at the SIAL Paris this year include dehydrated frozen dried fruits, organic fruit puree, and frozen products prepared like the customers require them.
"Chile is ready to deliver a higher value added production: cored plums, manually and mechanically cracked walnuts, organic productions, and packaging according to customer needs, both in bulk and in retail," said Andres Rodriguez, president of the Chilean prunes and Walnut Association.
"We wanted to be present at this fair because Europe is a strategic business partner for Chile. The European market requires the best quality and that is what characterizes Chile," he added.
Moreover, Antonio Dominguez, director of Chilealimentos stated that the SIAL Paris was very important for the promotion of Chilean agro-industries. "It's a moment when we meet with our clients and learn about what the market demands from us," he said. "We are looking to position products with a higher value added that help position the Chilean brands in the European markets. The national agribusiness knows the food safety and health parameters its products must meet," he added.
SIAL Paris, which is held every two years since 1964, is one of the largest food fairs in the world that focuses on multiple specialties and acts as an observatory of trends in global consumption.
Source: eleconomistaamerica.cl