Chile is set to present its dry and dehydrated fruit and nut export products at leading Middle Eastern food fair, Gulfood 2015, in Dubai, UAE, next month.

The country is the sixth biggest producer of unshelled walnuts and the second biggest producer of dehydrated plums, said a statement.

It is also the primary exporter of dehydrated apples, the second largest exporter of hazelnuts, and third in international sales of raisins, it said.

A delegation of 20 exporting businesses from the dried and dehydrated fruit and nut sector will take part in the fair, which will run from February 8 to 12 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Chile, a country located in South America, has geographical conditions that allow it to produce high quality dried and dehydrated fruits and nuts. The sector also faces comparatively minor phytosanitary problems due to the geographical features of the country.

The Chilean dried fruit and nuts, furthermore, have superior organoleptic properties that allow the products to reach the high quality niche markets, said the statement.

In 2013, the Chilean food exportations to the UAE reached $87 million, growing 63 per cent in comparison to the previous year.

Between January and October last year, these exportations reached $ 61 million. Among the principal food products exported by Chile to the UAE stand out unshelled walnuts, fresh fruit such as apples, grapes, pears, berries and kiwis, salmon, and trout.

Lorena Gallo, Chilean commercial assistant in Dubai, said: ”The Chilean products meet high international standards. The commercial figures between Chile and UAE tell us that there is interest in our products, but there is still room for us to grow.

“This relates to our reason in participating again in this fair; so that more consumers learn about our country and its excellent products.”

Furthermore, in the Chilean pavilion, the sectorial brand Walnuts from Chile will have a booth to promote this product in this important international fair.

HALAL PRODUCTS

As many as six Chilean businesses will present their halal products, including energy drinks, fruit juice, bottled rain water, extra virgin olive oil, functional foods from Chilean berries such as maqui and murta, Omega 3 for human or animal consumption, chocolates and other gourmet foods, as well as Merkén (smoked Chilean aji) and other condiments - all processed and produced under halal certification.

Chile has extensive experience with the halal market, with certified businesses existing from the 70's. This certification arose to help exporting businesses enter countries with Muslim populations, keeping in mind the commercial openings of the countries.

"Practically all of the national halal certified businesses are exporting, or are looking towards exporting shortly to markets with Muslim populations. Some of these businesses have exported to countries with majority Muslim population in the North of Africa (Morocco, Egypt), Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan), Southeast Asia (Indonesia and Malaysia) as well as for the consumption of minority populations in Europe and the United States,” said Galla.

“It is estimated that in 2013, they exported close to $ 11 million,” she added. - TradeArabia News Service