ChilePork and Wines of Chile help rekindle Chile’s in-person presence in South Korea

Over 130 people met at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul to learn more about two prominent Chilean industries while enjoying delicious recipes made with Chilean pork and paired with the best wines, two products that are successfully being traded on various continents.

After three long years, Chilean exporters and South Korean importers met in person as part of the commemorations of the 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event was held on June 21^st at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul, and for the first time, it was co-organized by ChilePork and Wines of Chile, allowing the more than 130 attendees to learn more about both industries while enjoying delicious recipes made with Chilean pork and paired with the best Chilean wines.

“Chilean products are welcomed by the market thanks to their reputation among local importers, who value their numerous qualities. Today, South Korea is the fifth destination market for our non-copper exports, reaching 1.4 billion in 2021, which encourages us to keep gaining ground in this market. We want consumers to know that when they see our flag or read our country’s name, they are getting an exceptional product,” said José Miguel Sepúlveda, the Chilean Exports Promotion Bureau (ProChile) Commercial Director in South Korea.

On April 18^th, the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic and trade relations between Chile and South Korea was celebrated, a period during which history and political and economic progress have been shared, with both countries guided by universal values such as democracy, care for the environment, and respect for human rights. This partnership led both countries to sign a Free Trade Agreement in 2004, the first ever for South Korea, and Chile’s first with an Asian country.

“We have built a long-term relationship with South Korea based on mutual commitment and trust, and today it is the second destination market for Chilean pork, with 146 million USD exported in 2021, 35% more than in 2020, and 18% of total pork exports. Every day around the world, 12 million people eat a serving of Chilean pork, getting to know the quality of our products, which reflects the work we have done for many years,” said Juan Carlos Domínguez, President of ChilePork.

“Two main exporting sectors, Wines of Chile and ChilePork, came together to celebrate the 60 years of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Chile. South Korea is undeniably a relevant destination for our wines, high-quality premium products obtained with a real commitment to sustainability,” said Angélica Valenzuela, Wines of Chile’s Trade Director.

South Korea is the seventh largest destination market for Chilean bottled wine, with total exports of 79 million USD in 2021, a 35% increase from 2020 and 5% of this product’s total exports. Since the signing of the FTA with South Korea in 2004, Chilean wine exports have been growing both in volume and value. Currently, Chile is South Korea’s fourth largest wine supplier after France, the United States, and Italy.

“Chilean pork is produced under a unique model, which integrates all processes from feed-producing plants to trading, offering 100% traceability to control the entire production chain. Our high standards of health, safety, and biosecurity have helped Chile become the seventh largest pork exporter worldwide, and the sixth largest to South Korea after powerhouses like the United States, Spain, and Canada,” added Domínguez.

Representatives of various industries attending the meeting highlighted the significance of Chile being the first country to resume in-person events, which they attribute to the good relationship between the two countries that in turn has helped the quality of Chilean wine and meat to be recognized by South Korean consumers.

The event also hosted the Chilemúsica brand, ensuring that Chilean music became the protagonist of an evening in which three Chilean industries worked together to consolidate the country’s presence in South Korea, demonstrating that all industries must join forces to promote the country’s image.

Find pictures of the event at: https://youtu.be/KITiX46h6Q8