In an exclusive interview with SIAL Daily, Ignacio Fernández, General Director of ProChile, shares insights into Chile’s thriving food export industry

He discusses how the country’s unique geography, sustainable practices, and innovative approaches contribute to its global reputation for producing high-quality, safe, and environmentally responsible food.

Chile is known for its production of healthy, safe, and sustainable food. Can you explain how Chile’s unique geography and environment contribute to this reputation?
Chile’s extreme geography, featuring the world’s driest desert in the north, Patagonia in the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, positions us advantageously for food production. We have a wide variety of soils and climatic conditions, allowing us to harvest diverse fruits and vegetables during months when Europe does not produce. Additionally, our extensive 6,400-kilometer coastline makes us a global leader in seafood exports. Our location between the ocean and the Andes Mountains further establishes Chile as a true phytosanitary island, protected from viruses and pests. Coupled with the efforts of companies, efficient technologies, and strong institutional frameworks, we can export high-quality and safe food, making us a reliable partner for the world.

As the agro-food sector is Chile’s second-largest export after mining, how has the country advanced in reducing CO2 emissions and improving water management in the past 15 years?
In 2023, Chile, a country of 19 million inhabitants, achieved food exports amounting to approximately €18 billion (around $19.5 billion), reaching about 178 markets, with global leadership in several fresh and dried fruits, as well as seafood. Chile has set ambitious targets for CO2 emission reductions, committing to carbon neutrality by 2050. We have rapidly progressed by decommissioning coal-fired power plants, and renewable energy now accounts for more than double the share of fossil fuels in our national electrical grid. This is partly due to our geography, which provides high potential for solar, wind, and hydro energy generation. Consequently, international indicators like EY’s RECAI rank us as the most attractive country for renewable energy investment in Latin America and 15th globally.

In the agro-food sector, it is noteworthy how Chilean companies have been incorporating technology to reduce emissions, enhance water efficiency, and improve waste management, among other aspects. For example, at SIAL Paris 2024, several exporters of nuts operate facilities that run entirely on solar energy for most of the year. Some are also integrating biomass energy, utilising byproducts like shells and pits. This has been promoted and supported by the government through public policies that encourage the adoption of these technologies and promote sustainable certification, as we recognise the importance of these factors for our global business and for increasingly environmentally-conscious consumers.

Chile maintains a strong trade relationship with the European Union, especially with France. How have Chilean food exports to the EU evolved in recent years, and what are the main drivers of this growth?
Chile has developed a very close and stable economic relationship with the European Union, with annual trade exchanges nearing approximately €17.3 billion ($19 billion). This is partly due to the trade agreement in place for over 20 years, which has recently been agreed upon for modernisation and is currently under consideration by both parties’ legislative bodies. Specifically regarding food, the European Union greatly benefits from having a reliable partner like Chile, capable of producing fruits and vegetables out of season, while also adhering to high sustainability standards and an industry committed to environmental and community care. Notably, during the most challenging moments of the pandemic, while total shipments from Chile to the EU decreased, food exports remained stable at approximately €2.1 billion ($2.3 billion) annually, surpassing €2.4 billion ($2.6 billion last year). The primary food exports from Chile to the EU include nuts—such as those being showcased at SIAL—alongside salmon, mussels, avocados, and, of course, wines.

Chile is showcasing a wide variety of food products at SIAL Paris this year. What innovations in food production and sustainability are being presented by Chilean companies?
Our food industry has been focusing on innovation and sustainability for several years. For instance, companies at SIAL Paris that specialise in nuts, almonds, and other dried fruits are incorporating technology for irrigation, monitoring, and distribution, allowing for efficient water use and reduced fruit loss. In the case of fresh fruits, such as cherries, some companies are utilising biomass energy—processing pits to produce energy. Additionally, we are presenting innovative and high-value-added food products at SIAL Paris, including low-glycemic cookies and functional bars, walnut oil, and truffles produced with the pure waters from the Andes Mountains.

Chilean Pisco: From tradition to global recognition

Pisco has one of the oldest designation of origin’s in all of Latin America, and is recognised in Chile’s trade agreement with the European Union. Ignacio Fernández explains that it is “deeply rooted” in Chile’s national history, especially for the communities in northern Chile in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions, where hundreds of small farmers cultivate pisco grape varieties. Ignacio Fernández underlines that Pisco is a “versatile liquor, suitable for various preparations.”
ProChile, the state agency promoting Chilean exports, in collaboration with the companies grouped in Pisco Chile, launched a new international branding campaign this year to strengthen Pisco’s positioning on strategic markets, including Europe. Under the slogan “Chilean Pisco: first spirit,” this campaign aims to highlight the history, tradition, and quality of this product, and the agency has organised tastings and other activities in various markets to support this strategy.

Pisco is being showcased at SIAL Paris this year and visitors to Chile’s stand will have the opportunity to taste Pisco and connect with the history and traditions of northern Chile through various tastings today and tomorrow. In February 2025, Chilean Pisco will be featured at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris in the Be Spirits section.

Today
4:00-5:30p.m.
Chilean Pisco tasting
Hall 8

Tomorrow
4:00-5:30p.m.
Chilean Pisco tasting
Hall 4