Chilean gourmet products seek to conquer American palates at Summer Fancy Food Show

NEW YORK, June 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United States is the main export market for Chilean food and drinks. Seafood, fresh fruit, juices and wines are part of the Chilean supply that is found today in supermarkets and restaurants around the country. As a way to maintain their presence in the American market, 12 Chilean companies will gather under a country pavilion coordinated by ProChile at the 2013 Summer Fancy Food Show, which will take place from June 30 to July 2 in New York.

In 2012, Chilean exports of food and beverages to the world totaled USD 13,716 million, of which USD 3,111 million (23% of total) went to the United States, ranking as the leading destination of shipments of the sector, mainly led by salmon, grapes and berries.

"There is a tremendous potential for Chilean food and drinks in the US. Chile is currently developing new products with higher added value oriented to niche markets, among which include gourmet products such as olive oil, seafood delicatessen, and flavored mineral waters, jams, wine  jellies, dehydrated berries and native potato, some types of honey, premium wines, pisco and microbrews. All these products are quite successful with American consumers," Pedro Pablo Aresti said, Trade Commissioner of Chile in New York.

The quality of the food supply produced in Chile has achieved remarkable recognition according to the latest Global Food Security Index 2012 prepared by The Economist Intelligence Unit, which placed the country as the leader in Latin America.

During the three days in which the exhibition takes place, the Chile pavilion will have tastings of salmon, walnut pies and steaks with a glass of wine.

"Foods from Chile. Source of life"

Chef Julius Russell, one of the owners of the restaurant "A Tale of Two Chefs" from Chicago and also one of the ambassadors of the "Foods From Chile. Source of Life" campaign which is currently being conducted in the United States, said that in his kitchen there is always Chilean food and generally the American consumer is becoming increasingly aware of the origin of the products.

"There is a more educated consumer as a result of increased food marketing", assures Rusell. "I have found from a knowledge level that many people know about the greatness of Chilean seafood and wine. Where I have seen a greater appreciation for are fruits and nuts. I have been able to mix Chilean fruits and nuts in desserts and savory dishes", said Julius Rusell.

"Foods from Chile. Source of life" is an advocacy campaign that aims to position Chile as unique origin of food production for the final consumer. This campaign is in addition to other country brand campaigns that seek to position various Chilean foods, such as wine - "Wines of Chile" - olive oil - "Chile Olive Oil" - and fresh fruit - "Fruits from Chile", which will also be present in the stands of Chilean companies at the exhibition.

SOURCE ProChile