In order to position Chile as a reliable supplier of high quality food products, Chilean entrepreneurs toured both markets between the 9th and 14th of September.
31 Chilean companies of the food and beverage sector had a busy schedule, travelling to Beijing and Seoul under the framework of the program Flavors of Chile organized by ProChile. During the event nearly 700 business meetings with 150 Chinese companies and 81 Korean companies were held, in addition to various technical visits to major centers of distribution, markets, supermarkets and shops in both cities. Also seminars on investment opportunities, fresh fruit, nuts and tourism were conducted.
The Asian market is undoubtedly the block that has reported the most dynamism and interest of Chilean food export companies. It is leading the sector's total shipments to the world with a 28% concentration. In recent years, this geographic area has shown sustained growth in the export of food and beverages. In 2011 there was a 35% increase over 2010, highlighting the evolution of fresh fruit, nuts and processed products, among others.
The competitiveness of the Chinese market
Currently, China represents a highly competitive market and is of great commercial relevance, that arouses the interest of exporters worldwide, both for its population size and for its growing income. This is the main trading partner for Chile, which has generated significant business opportunities for Chilean exporters.
During 2011, Chile became the main cherry (75%), plum (71%), fresh grape (58%), fresh apple (54%) and frozen strawberry (40%) supplier for China. Similarly, Chile was ranked as the second largest exporter to China of bulk wine and kiwis.
If the first semester of 2011 is compared with that of 2012, the total shipments from Chile to China rose 5% going from USD 8,256 to USD 8,640. Of that total, non-mining exports grew 20% going from USD 1,050 to USD1,261 in the same period.
In this context, the tariff preferences granted under the Free Trade Agreement with China have contributed to improve the competitive position of Chilean exporters in that market.
The Korean market dynamism
South Korea is a highly dynamic market for Chilean food and beverage shipments. Over the past five years, Chilean exports grew by 53%, going from USD 236 million in 2007 to USD 363 million in 2011.
The Free Trade Agreement has been a key factor in the competitiveness of Chilean products, from which food products have benefited particularly. In 2011 those products made up 8% of total shipments from Chile to Korea. That same year, Chile
ranked as the largest supplier of South Korea for frozen trout (92% of total imports by Korea), fresh grapes (86%), grape juice (52%) and frozen Atlantic salmon (51%). In addition, Chile is the second largest supplier of bottled wine, cuttlefish, lemons, prunes and kiwis for Korea.
Source: Prochile