MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean wine and beef sales steam ahead

Chilean wine and beef exports keep steaming full ahead with annual sales forecasted to grow 6 to 9% and beef shipments in the first five months jumping 350%.

Last year Chilean bottled wine exports reached 835 million US dollars, 24% above the previous year and with prospects of totalling 1,2 to 1,4 billion US dollars by 2010.

Beef sales during the first five months of 2005 reached 27 million US dollars (9.255 tons) compared to just 6 million, in the same period a year ago. Mexico (56%), Japan (19%) and Britain (9%) are the main clients.

Viñas de Chile, the organization which represents 90% of all Chilean overseas shipments forecasts the industry's exports will expand at 6 to 9% annually, helped with improved prices.

Chilean domestic wine sales represent 34% of the country's production and 20% of income for the industry.

Anibal Aritzia, the organization's president said that the industry must target the international market which is where growth and better prices can be found.

"But to be successful overseas we must change our attitude from "cheap acceptable wine" to "good quality wine at accessible prices" which is demanded by the international consumer".

A crucial instrument in promoting the industry's production is "Wines of Chile" which is a world known organization with a 6 million US dollars budget to have Chilean wines participate in fairs, shows, food events, etc.

However "this is not enough" to keep up with competition and "we need all grape growers and wine makers to help us with the financing", insisted Mr. Aritzia.