Just a few years ago, the world was in the midst of a global pandemic and travel was discouraged, but that did not stop USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service from continuing to do all it can to help promote U.S. food and agricultural products around the world. The agency turned to digital solutions, and in 2021 it began holding virtual agribusiness trade missions, connecting U.S. exporters with potential business partners through online B2B meetings.
It was during one of these virtual trade missions that Hormel Foods, one of the largest food processing companies in the United States, based in Minnesota, met Nutrisco, a major food distribution company in Chile. Throughout the next two years, the companies worked on cementing their relationship to bring Hormel Foods products to Chile, one of the top three markets in South America for agricultural and related products.
“We had been looking for a strategic partner to grow our food service business in Chile. Thanks to the USDA virtual trade mission, we were able to connect with multiple potential customers,” said Delfin Bernal, Latin America & Caribbean Business Development Manager at Hormel Food. “After multiple conversations we were able to partner with Nutrisco Chile, one of the leading food distributors in the country."
In 2023, during the USDA agribusiness trade mission to Chile, the companies took yet another step in their partnership. This time being able to do all business in person, the companies officially signed and celebrated their newly formed partnership. Many of Chile supermarkets rely on Nutrisco to provide their products, and thanks to this new business deal, Chilean customers will be able to find Hormel Foods products in their local restaurants and supermarkets.
Source: usda.gov
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Government & Policy