Minister Ampuero highlights the growing demand for Chilean wines in Brazil at the opening of Tasting in Sao Paulo

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Ampuero, today inaugurated the 8th version of the renowned Sao Paulo Tasting, one of the most important Chilean wine events in this market. The activity, organized jointly by "Vinos de Chile" and ProChile, was held at the Hotel Unique in the city and brought together 37 national wineries.

In addition to the tasting of each of its products, the seminar "Surprising Blends" was held, directed by the Chilean sommelier Héctor Riquelme.

At the opening, Minister Ampuero - who arrived in Brazil this morning from Canada - highlighted "the growing preference of Brazilians for Chilean wine".

Chile has been the main supplier of imported wines to Brazil for more than 15 years, with 39.7% of the market. In 2017, Chilean wines were again in first place: that year there was an increase of 21.5% in the amount exported compared to 2016, which corresponds to 7.5% of total non-copper shipments to Brazil. There was a significant increase in the sparkling wines category with 179% compared to 2016.

"We can say with satisfaction that Chile has responded to this growing demand from Brazilian consumers with high quality wines, thus creating a fruitful complicity around wine," added Foreign Minister Ampuero.
Each year, the more than 200 Chilean wine companies present in Brazil participate in various events. Thus, apart from this Tasting of Sao Paulo, in the coming weeks there will be the Colchagua Singular and, next October, Movi Night, organized by the Independent Winemakers Movement.

Beyond the wine market, Brazil is our main trading partner in Latin America and fourth worldwide. In April of this year, both countries agreed to begin negotiations to reach a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, which should be finalized by the end of 2018. In 2017, Chile-Brazil trade amounted to U$ 9.026 billion, a positive variation of 17% compared to 2016 and representing 66% of Mercosur exports to Chile.