Chilean exports to UAE increased by 67% in 2013

The Chilean Trade Commision is keen to push its growth in the Middle East; in 2013, Chilean food exports to the UAE increased by 67%, and saw an overall growth in the GCC of 43.5%.

Trade commissioner of Chile Carlos Salas said: "As Chile seeks to diversify its markets, Dubai stands as a key hub for growing and promoting new product lines across the Middle East.

"In 2013, Chilean food exports to Gulf Cooperation Council member countries grew 43.5% to US$182 million. Dubai is a crucial gateway to new markets, notably in Northern Africa, which are major consumers of the dried fruit products in which Chile leads the world."

He revealed: "We want to push to keep the growing of 67% in exports to the United Arab Emirates in 2013, Chilean food firms just attended their seventh annual appearance at Gulfood Dubai . Dubai and the UAE are a major market for Chilean nuts and dried fruit. Sales to the UAE were over US$89 million in 2013, up 67% or US$54 million year-on-year, led by fresh apples, grapes and kiwifruit; shelled and in-shell walnuts and almonds, and salmon and trout."

Post-Gulfood, ProChile has launched its new campaign called "Food from Chile, Source of Life", and under this umbrella includes sub-campaigns like "Walnuts from Chile", "Prunes from Chile", "Salmon de Chile" and "Patagonian Mussels". Salas said: "The 'Food From Chile, Source of Life' motto tells buyers that Chile is a key supplier of wholesome foods, that these foods come from a unique, pristine ecosystem, and that they are grown and processed by a strong, leading-edge industry able to offer guaranteed quality."

Pro Chile is promoting premium juices, boutique fruit jars, premium water, grape seed oil, extra virgin olive oil, sweet milk among other products. Salas added: "Chile has a coastline of 3000 km so our seafood is amazing and already available in the market - Chilean seabass, Patagonian mussels, salmon and scallops are now imported in large quantities."

Pro Chile is exhibiting at the upcoming Caterer Middle East Food & Business Conference. Salas said it was important for the company to support the event: "For us, it is very important because in this conference you will reach more than 100 F&B and executive chefs of the best places. We understand their role and want to be part of this crew."

Salas said the trends in the F&B market are those of health, quality and consistency. He added: "Dubai is booming again and consumers are more educated. So healthy products with quality will be a trend.

"Latino products is another trend; importers are looking for new products from South America such as spices, oils, nuts, fresh exotic fruits. In the same range, organic consumption is growing - but not just local organics because there is not consistency or variety of organic fresh fruit - we see an increase of organic products imported."

The Caterer Middle East Food & Business Conference will take place on March 18, 2014, at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC.

For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please contact Diarmuid O'Malley on dom@itp.com.