Chilean salmon-farming company AquaChile has announced plans to expand its presence in Mexico and Southeast Asia, rolling out innovative products tailored to each market.
AquaChile said Mexico, in which AquaChile has been active since 2023, offers attractive growth possibilities. With a population of close to 130 million and an estimated annual salmon consumption of just over 250 grams per person, the country is still in its early growth stages of value-added and higher-end seafood consumption.
“Mexico is evolving rapidly in consumption and sophistication,” AquaChile Sales Manager José Miguel Ugarte said in a release. “We see a growing interest in products with higher added value, new consumption occasions, and more convenient formats for different types of consumers.”
Growth areas AquaChile has identified in Mexico include increased presence in the north of the country, the evolution of breaded products, the promotion of fresh salmon, and the expansion of formats that facilitate access in new consumer segments.
In order to strengthen its connection with customers and potential business partners, the company recently participated in the ANTAD Expo in Guadalajara, Mexico. Organized by the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores (ANTAD), the event acts as a business forum for the hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) sector in Latin America.
Elsewhere, AquaChile said it is focusing on developing more diversified offerings in Southeast Asia, incorporating categories such as coho and smoked and breaded salmon, as well as salmon pulp.
It noted that consumers in the region increasingly prefer practical formats, new dining experiences, and ready-to-prepare solutions, to which the increased offer of salmon products look to respond, offering versatility, convenience, and the ability to adapt to different sales channels and types of cuisine.
Currently, AquaChile has a presence in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, where it sees relevant opportunities to continue the consolidation of its emerging categories while driving overall salmon consumption and expanding its commercial participation.
Similar to its approach in Mexico, the company highlighted its recent participation at THAIFEX – a food and beverage trade fair held in Bangkok, Thailand.
“Our presence at THAIFEX responds to the interest of continuing to strengthen the connection with current and potential allies in Southeast Asia. This fair allows us to show a broader proposal, with value-added products that respond to the trends of convenience, standards, and versatility that these markets demand today,” Ugarte said.
AquaChile said that it sought to reinforce its message with customers in Southeast Asia including consistent quality, reliable supply, and the ability to adapt. At the fair itself, the company focused on categories of greater differentiation and processing, reflecting an evolution of formats more aligned with current trends playing out in the Asian market.
The announcements of further market diversification come after AquaChile reported drops in revenue and profits during the first quarter of 2026, with consolidated sales of USD 482 million (EUR 414 million), which were slightly down from the USD 501 million (EUR 430 million) it reported in the first quarter of 2025. The firm’s net income totaled USD 44.1 million (EUR 37.8 million) in Q1, compared to USD 54.4 million (EUR 46.7 million) in Q1 2025, marking a year-over-year drop of 18.9 percent.
In its results, posted by parent company Empresas Agrosuper, the company attributed the drop to lower prices in international markets that were largely brought on by high global supply.
