By Marinel Peroy
Cognizant of Filipino lifestyle, eating habit and penchant for pork, Chile, one of the most industrialized countries in Latin America, has its agri-food industry second-largest key industry after mining is in gaining popularity from consumers in the Philippines.
The entry of high-quality and export-grade swine all the way from Chile to the Philippines, brings together all Chilean pork exporting companies and was created to position the product in Asian markets.
Officially launched in the Philippines in 2022, the ChilePork brand to date has exported more than 8,000 tonnes and 12.5 billion USD pork to the market.
(In photo from left, Juan Carlos Domínguez, President of ChileCarne, John Lüer from Agrosuper, Jorge Rozas of Maxagro, and Francisco Echeverria of Coexca.)
Currently, the ChilePork member companies focus on expanding within the local market as an export of pork produced under the high standards of food safety, health, biosecurity, and sustainability. These were highlighted by Juan Carlos Domínguez, President of the Association of Meat Exporters of ChileCarne during the press briefing event on Friday, October 13, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt Manila.
(In photo from left, Juan Carlos Domínguez, President of ChileCarne, John Lüer from Agrosuper, Marinel Peroy of THEPHILBIZNEWS, Jorge Rozas of Maxagro, and Francisco Echeverria of Coexca.)
Domínguez mentioned that Chilean meat has been free of hormone injections since 2006. So, customers can ensure the safety and high-quality serving of pork from its production to one’s table.
Mindful of it’s competition, Dominguez underscored that Chilean pork has high-quality saying that “we are not so big on producing volume, [so] we do tailor-made products [on the Asian market].” Their main priority is to export quality over quantity Chilean pork. ChilePork offers premium quality meat — from its taste, texture, capacity to retain flavors, and melting point of fat. To give the best food experience, exporters look into the market demand and preferences of the majority of their consumers. For instance, they showcase pork belly fat parts for South Koreans; while they export the lean type of meat in Denmark. Another is how ChilePork continuously sends pork leg cuts to Italy for their special prosciutto. With its growing circular economy, the Chilean pork sector also follows the first sustainability standard that aligns with the indicators of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Last year, Chile exported 310,000 tons of pork — equivalent to 644 million USD with Asia being its primary destination with 77% of the total value. This is why, there is no doubt that Chilean pork will be supported by the Filipino consumers.
After the press briefing, a sneak peek at the kitchen was allowed and Executive Chef Mark Hagan showed the (uncooked) Chilean pork cuts to prove how tender and impeccable. During the tasting, I validated what Chef Hagan told me about the taste and texture of the Chilean pork by serving inasal which lingers on my palate, with it’s incredibly soft texture and truly melts in my mouth. And truly, you will really pay for the experience.
Chile’s market is highly competitive to showcase its agri-food export power. Pork is undeniably the most exported meat with 54% in total, making its place as the seventh largest pork exporter in the first quarter of 2023 according to USDA Global Pork and Poultry Exporters Ranking. Indeed, as one of the trusted suppliers of healthy and safe food, ChilePork’s tasty, versatile, and flavorful products are being delivered across the world. Along with its traceability in the international market, the key pillar of biosecurity in the Chilean pork industry remains steady in its advocacy – as imbued with all the necessary measures to prevent the entry of any diseases to the animals such as African swine fever (ASF).
Further, ChilePork has the potential to grow in the Asian market, especially in the Philippines. This year, Chilean pork is expected to reach around 6,000 metric tons in the country. With its distinct texture and flavor on every bite, Filipinos will surely love the high-quality Chilean pork that can be cooked in various viands — be it in a Filipino cuisine to savor and shared by loved ones together.
For more information about ChilePork Member Companies, kindly view their respective websites below:AASA – www.aasa.cl AGROSUPER – www.agrosuper.clCOEXCA – www.coexca.cl MAXAGRO – www.maxagro.cl
