Four companies which hold certification to attest to the quality of their processes and products showcased their goods in Chile’s pavilion at Biofach. This annual fair took place between 10 and 13 February and was attended once more by Chile.

The companies in Chile’s pavilion exhibited their organic wine, juice and dried fruits. These firms have also earned other certification, such as Fair Trade, which guarantees that their products and services are provided with environmental care, optimal working conditions and contribute towards sustainable development.

“Taking part in this fair has been a very positive experience. We were able to show that Chile has been concerned to offer products that are organic and respect the environment,” emphasized ProChile’s trade attaché in Germany, Bettina Stengel.

Ms Stengel added that in 2015, Chile’s exports of organic products totalled US$212.7 million, a 4% increase over 2014. Chile’s principal organic export product was fresh and frozen berries, amounting to US$110.4 million, 27% more than in 2014. Foremost among these are raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries. “Berries account for 52% of Chilean organic food exports,” stressed Ms Stengel.

With regard to markets, while the United States is the main market for Chilean organic exports, it is followed in importance by the Netherlands, with shipments worth US$9.5 million and Spain with US$7.3 million. “This reveals the importance and value of organic products in Europe, where there are ever-better informed consumers who prefer them,” added Chile’s trade attaché in Germany.

Sustainability and organic food in Chile

The Chilean food industry has worked hard to improve its social and environmental performance. Companies and workers have together made a commitment to improve conditions, processes and products.

For instance, our fruit and vegetables and wine and spirits industries have implemented initiatives relating to community engagement, energy use, waste management and climate change in order to guarantee that they are meeting the requirements of international markets and consumers around the world.

Chile’s organic production has developed under a regulatory framework since 2006. The Agricultural and Livestock Service is the entity responsible for organic certification. Chile supplies the world with organic products prepared within holistic agricultural, fishing or forestry management systems that foster and improve the health of the agroecosystem and biodiversity, the biological cycles and the biological activity of the soil.