Fedefruta, the Chilean Federation of Fruit Growers, is to host an international business seminar in Santiago in September to introduce interested importers from around the world to the Chilean fruit producing industry.
The two-day Business Round Table 2003 is being hosted with ProChile, the Chilean government's ministry of foreign relations, and aims to achieve direct contact between buyers and sellers and illustrate the flexibility of local growers that are committed to adapting to global client demands.
Luis Schmidt, president of Fedefruta, was in London last week and told freshinfo: 'Growers around the world have their showcase events to introduce themselves and build relationships with buyers. There has not been such an event in Chile until now. Fedefruta has more than 5,000 members and we are aware that importers around the world feel there is a need for more than the big multi-national exporters in Chile because that system lacks flexibility.
'This event will put growers directly in contact with buyers and allow both parties to explore new business opportunities. The Chilean government has committed itself to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and this reflects the desire of the international business community to get closer to their suppliers.
'The retailers and the importers want to speak directly with the growers and in some cases they do. But there are a lot of growers in Chile who meet all of the requirements of the international marketplace, but could easily disappear from the system. Buyers in Europe need a specific way of meeting growers and this seminar is it.
'We are particularly interested in delegates who have no direct contact with Chile until this point, but that does not exclude others who feel they could get more out of their relationship with the Chilean industry. A lot of people go directly to Chile, but talk only to the exporters they already know. This is an opportunity to find out more.' The seminar takes place at the Santiago Sheraton San Cristóbal on September 23-24. Interested parties can register through www.fruittrade.cl, where you can input your requirements and be matched with relevant growers.
• Fedefruta has set up a website dedicated to this event and to matching its growers with international buyers. Schmidt claims to represent 90 per cent of the fruit exported out of Chile through his membership and buyers can enter their details and specific product needs, and receive a list of growers that can supply them.
The seminar will be split in two. The first day will include presentations from industry representatives on the topics of Good Agricultural Practices, food safety, traceability and training, with emphasis also on production trends across our whole basket of fruits. Day two will give delegates the opportunity to meet and visit prospective Chilean suppliers, whether through an organised trip which takes in the biggest orchard in Chile - the 2,500 hectare Rosa Sofruco, - and packhouses, or through meetings set up in advance.
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