Enexpro Productos del Mar: Chile and the challenge of promoting salmon farming in the markets

Finally Arturo Clément, president of SalmonChile, highlighted Chile’s leadership in the US market, which represents 42% of salmon exports. However, he pointed out barriers such as high logistics costs and regulatory challenges that limit growth.

Yesterday, Enexpro Productos del Mar 2024 was held, organized by ProChile in the Los Lagos Region, the largest meeting of importers and exporters of seafood products, an initiative that gave rise to 60 Chilean companies from Coquimbo to Punta Arenas, to present themselves at Business Roundtables with 32 importers from 21 countries in more than 420 meetings. Among the attending countries were Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Spain, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, United States, Mexico, Australia, Canada, among others.

As for the participating Chilean companies, among the salmon producers and processors were Australis Seafoods, Ventisqueros, Camanchaca, AquaChile, Blumar, Caleta Bay, Cermaq Chile, Cooke Chile, Marine Farm, Mowi Chile, Multi X, Salmones Austral, Salmones Aysén, Invermar, Integra Chile and SeaGarden.

The national director of ProChile, Lorena Sepúlveda, highlighted market diversification as a key policy of the institution to mitigate commercial risks. “The more markets we have, the lower the risk of being captured by one,” he indicated, mentioning that this year new destinations such as Poland and Lithuania have also been explored, in addition to sustained efforts in the ASEAN region, where the consumption of seafood It’s tall. He also highlighted the importance of sustainability and safety as pillars to open markets such as Australia, pointing out that long-term strategic work has allowed Chilean quality to be positioned in more than 100 markets.

For his part, Ricardo Arriagada, regional director of ProChile Los Lagos, highlighted the impact of holding events like Enexpro in the region. “We show our companies, processes and quality on site. Today we will carry out technical visits to salmon and mutilid producing companies in order to generate direct experiences with importers, creating solid links that promote the image of Chile as a reliable partner.”

In Sepúlveda’s opinion, the sector must continue to innovate to face global challenges. “Long-term planning is very important, and taking advantage of each meeting as a promotional platform. The seal of Chile remains engraved on those who visit us,” concluded the national director of ProChile.

Plenary

In the plenary session of Enexpro, where the central topic was analyzing the United States market for Chilean seafood products, Wilson País, national director of technologies at Microsoft, highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are transforming the fishing and aquaculture sectors, especially in demanding markets such as the United States. “We have reached the domain of machines that understand and generate text, directly impacting business and operations. Traceability, essential for products like salmon, can be optimized with tools like blockchain.”

However, País emphasized that the implementation of technologies such as blockchain remains a challenge in Latin America. “We are lagging behind developed countries, therefore, it is necessary to accelerate its adoption to meet the demands of international markets.”

A key aspect highlighted by the professional was the horizontal application of AI, which allows exporters to analyze large volumes of information in record time. “A proposal that previously took days can now be ready in minutes. This improves interaction with customers, facilitates entry into new markets and increases operational efficiency.”

For her part, Paula Estévez, general manager of AmCham (Chilean-North American Chamber of Commerce), the United States represents the main market for Chilean seafood products thanks to agreements such as the Free Trade Agreement and the recent non-double taxation pact.

“We are one of the few countries with an FTA with the United States, which gives us a unique advantage. This framework makes it possible to streamline customs procedures and reduce tax barriers, favoring competitiveness. In addition to salmon, there is growing interest in mussels and organic products, especially on the west coast of the United States. These niches offer an opportunity to diversify the Chilean offer and adapt to the preferences of the American consumer, who values fresh and sustainable foods,” highlighted the executive.

“Consumers are demanding more sustainable products and Chile has to highlight its commitment in this area. Sustainability is key in this context,” stated Paula, emphasizing that certifications such as ASC and BAP, along with compliance with regulations such as those of the FDA, are essential to maintain the leadership position.

“Salmon is a great product for the US market that is looking for healthier foods. Continuous growth will undoubtedly be evident if environmental and quality standards are met. The American consumer is favoring healthy, organic and natural products, which positions salmon as a star product,” emphasized the general manager of AmCham.

Challenges and sustainability

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Pinto, Corporate Director of the Salmon Council, addressed the challenges and opportunities of Chilean salmon farming in key markets such as the United States.

“While there has been significant progress, national production has stabilized in recent years. We are too stable, while competitors like Norway and Canada project exponential growth,” said Pinto.

According to what was stated, one of the main challenges is to implement technologies such as blockchain to improve traceability in the logistics chain. “The role of blockchain is key to identifying each link in the chain, but its development in Chile is still incipient. This aspect will be crucial to meet the growing demands of international markets.”

For Pinto, public-private alliances are very beneficial to overcome stagnation in production and promote policies that promote sustainable growth. “The challenge is knowing how to grow, how much to grow and in what period to grow. In this sense, there is a lack of clear answers in the industry. It is also very important to maintain high environmental and social standards, an issue that not only responds to market demand, but also counteracts misinformation and criticism of the industry. We have to take part and recognize the strategic role of salmon farming in global food security.”

“The United States is our main market, but also the most demanding. Per capita consumption is an opportunity for expansion, given that in the United States it is only 1.9 kilos, compared to higher figures in Europe and Asia. There is significant room for growth, driven by the perception of salmon as a healthy and nutritious product,” commented the union leader, warning of a slowdown in demand due to increased prices and post-pandemic inflation.

Regarding the national context of Chilean salmon farming, Clément pointed out that to move forward, it is necessary to resolve the tension between economic development and environmental conservation. “It is absolutely compatible; We must settle this discussion so as not to lose opportunities. And, on the other hand, an integrated vision is required that includes other marine species such as algae and mussels, in addition to salmon. “We have to be leaders not only in salmon, but in diversified and sustainable marine aquaculture.”

Source: www.salmonexpert.cl