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Chilean food reaches record high in exports to the United States

April 30, 2015

Chilean food reaches record high in exports to the United States
Demand for Chilean food has been steadily rising in  the United States, its main market in the world. Fresh fruit, seafood, wine, olive oil, bottled water and dairy products are just one part of Chile’s varied food supply, which has been recognized internationally for its quality.

WASHINGTON DC.- Fresh fruit, seafood, wine, olive oil, bottled water and dairy products are just one part of the varied food supply Chile has to offer to the world. The country´s geographical isolation –surrounded by the Atacama desert, the Pacific Ocean, Andes Mountains and the Patagonian ice fields-makes Chile a phytosanitary island. Also, the Mediterranean climate, the staggered production and the counter season with northern hemisphere, make Chile a food producer whose quality stands out from its competitors. 

In recent years, the demand for Chilean food has been steadily rising: in 2014, exports totaled US$ 16,294 million, while in 2013 totaled US$ 15,162 million. In this scenario, the Unites States is the main destination for Chilean food and drinks with US$3,894 million.

The US-Chile Free Trade Agreement signed in 2004 provided the framework that eliminated in January 2015, all existing tariffs for goods produced in each country. The most emblematic zero tariff products include canned peaches, wine, tomato paste and canned mixed fruit. Additionally, products such as avocados, powdered milk, condensed milk and cheese no longer have quota restrictions.

Chile, pantry at the end of the world

The quality of the food supply produced in Chile has achieved remarkable recognition according to the latest Global Food Security Index 2014 prepared by The Economist Intelligence Unit, which placed the country as the leader in Latin America.

In recent years, Chile has emerged as one of the most important stakeholders in the food industry worldwide, expecting to become one of the top 10 exporters in the world by 2020 (currently 17th, according to the FAO).

The diversity and high quality of its foods and drinks make Chile a reliable provider for US importers and final consumers. An example is Chile’s outstanding winemaking conditions which provide its world-class wines gain new followers every day. Chile’s wine valleys actually extend over 745 miles north to south and benefit from both a Mediterranean climate and a vast range of soils. This climate, naturally sheltered from pests and diseases is also good for Chilean olive oil and the Chilean fruit industry has incorporated the most advanced technologies ensuring stringent quality controls. With the aim of showing Chile as the world's premier healthful food-producing country, this year, the “Foods from Chile, Source of Life” campaign will bring a series of events in major cities of the United States.

Comunicaciones ProChile