ChilePork made its European debut with an event in Paris during the SIAL trade fair

At SIAL 2024, the world’s largest food expo, held in Paris this October, the sector brand ChilePork organized a successful event together with ProChile in France that brought together importers from more than 10 countries with Chilean pork exporting companies, who seized the opportunity to strengthen their commercial ties.

The networking event, which was attended by more than 40 importers and distributors, mainly from European countries, was held at the Embassy of Chile in Paris. This space, which Chilean poet and ambassador to France Pablo Neruda once called “the mausoleum,” is what is known in France as a hôtel particulier, a grand townhouse with refined architecture.

The event was attended by the Chilean Ambassador to France, Raúl Fernandez Daza, the Commercial Attaché Óscar Troncoso, and the Investment Attaché Cristian Sagal. It was an opportunity to bring Chilean pork producers and exporters together with importers and distributors from more than 10 countries, promoting the many qualities of Chilean pork and positioning it as a world-class product. In a scenario where sustainability and traceability demands take center stage, ChilePork succeeded in presenting a reliable and competitive alternative, all within the luxury of a residence that is a symbol of Chilean heritage abroad.

The sector brand conveyed a strong message about the country’s position as a food exporter. Chile is currently the world’s fifth largest pork exporter and, together with poultry, is the country’s fourth largest food export sector, surpassed only by fresh fruit, salmon, and wine. “We have a unique production model that allows us to ensure traceability and quality throughout the entire process,” said Juan Carlos Domínguez, President of ChileCarne, the association that represents this sector brand. In his speech, he also emphasized the importance of Chile’s natural characteristics, such as its geographical barriers and temperate climate, which have been key to keeping production disease-free.

The warm welcome and the pleasant atmosphere at the Chilean Embassy in Paris had a positive impact on ChilePork’s partner companies, who expressed their appreciation for this type of event in Europe. “I think it was a really good event, the venue of course spectacular. The welcome and reception were impeccable. It was a great opportunity to meet with European clients and continue promoting ChilePork in a market that is very important today. There are many countries today with production deficits that could be very attractive for ChilePork,” said Jorge Rozas, Commercial Manager of Maxagro.

For Juan Carlos Domínguez, the event in Paris represents a starting point to consolidate the presence of Chilean pork in the European market, a challenge for a sector that, although it has smaller volumes compared to the exporting giants, seeks to compete with high standards of sustainability and clean production. He also highlighted the work of the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG), which has been fundamental in guaranteeing the most rigorous health controls, an advantage that sets Chilean products apart.

Guillermo Garcia, General Manager of Coexca, noted that: “Europe has always been a very important destination for ChilePork products, especially for steaks. However, in recent years—2023 and 2024—it has become especially relevant. Volumes have increased substantially and we expect this to continue into the future. Being able to hold this type of event for the first time during the SIAL food exhibition, one of the most important trade fairs in the world, at the Chilean embassy in Paris, which is such an important and symbolic place, makes it possible for us to establish closer ties with our clients, our consumers, and our distributors. I consider the event to have been a success, not only because of the attendance of European distributors and clients, but also ones from Japan, China, South Korea, and other places where ChilePork products are sold.”

The event ended with a word of thanks to the attendees, who, according to the feedback received, appreciated both the quality of the products and the cultural experience offered by ChilePork. “It was an opportunity to meet with clients and promote our services in a historic Chilean site. I thought the activity was well organized and the speeches were concise and precise… In that sense, everything went according to plan,” said Alejandro Muñoz, Commercial Manager of AASA.

The activity closed with an invitation to continue exploring the flavor and quality of Chilean pork, which left a strong impression on the guests and promises a growing demand for this protein in the European market.

“The ChilePork event at the embassy was a great success because I think it represents a milestone for the Association, for our country, and for the quality that we produce for the world in Europe. I believe this is the start of many new activities and of more interaction with the different embassies that represent us on the continent,” concluded Facundo Porolli, Commercial Manager of Agrosuper.