At the 2016 Seafood Expo Asia event, currently underway in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center until 8 September, the five Chilean companies in attendance are showcasing a wide variety of products from the region, including mussels, seaweed and salmon, as well as sea urchin and squid.
Algas Marinas Limitada, Catmar, Comercial Seafood Services, Asesorias Seatek SRL and Mar Atacama SpA are the companies making up Chile’s presence at the exposition, sharing with buyers and visitors in Asia the kind of species the South American nation specializes in. As of now, Chile is the world's largest exporter of mussels and frozen salmon fillets. Moreover, it’s the second biggest exporter of agar-agar and frozen swordfish fillets, and the third biggest exporter of seaweed.
The country exported USD 4.6 billion (EUR 4.09 billion) in seafood in 2015, with exports to Hong Kong reaching USD 33.4 million (EUR 29.7 million) and exports to China totaling USD 296.6 million (EUR 263.9 million). The Chilean companies attending the exposition, which is hosted by SeafoodSource’s parent company Diversified Communications, have been enthusiastic about presenting products to one of its larger export markets that have proven to resonate.
One such product, seaweed, has encouraged Chilean entrepreneurs to get creative and develop a number of different culinary uses and preparations incorporating the ocean offering, including dried, in condiments, jams and other gourmet renditions. On average seaweed, contains 20 percent high-value, easy to digest protein, and is low in sugars and lipids, but high in polyunsaturated fats that are beneficial to health, said ProChile. Seaweed’s nutritional benefits have been a real draw for an array of consumer markets, including those in Asia.
As far as Chilean mussels are concerned – which are also a highlight at Chile’s Seafood Expo Asia booth (No. 5-816) – much of the supply is cultivated and processed in the southern part of the nation, and they are regarded as a 100 percent natural product. “During their cultivation period, mussels feed directly from the nutrients in the internal waters of Chiloé, without human intervention. However, they are subject to strict environmental and sanitary controls by the Chilean authorities,” explained ProChile.
Atlantic salmon, giant squid, abalone, octopus and other seafood items are also species specialties for the Chilean exhibitors at the show.
For more official media coverage of Seafood Expo Asia, click here: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/your-guide-to-official-seafood-expo-asia-2016-show-coverage-from-seafoodsource
