On message with Lady Liberty and U.S. Embassy Charge D'Affaires in Colombia, Francisco Palmieri
Jul 03, 2024
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA – Last month, USA Rice attended the 12th edition of the Alimentec Trade Show here. As the third-largest economy in Latin America, Colombia's 50.8 million people, growing middle class, and youthful, dynamic population offer a highly promising market for U.S. rice exports.
Alimentec has solidified its reputation as the premier platform for the food, beverage, and hospitality industry in the Andean region, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
“This trade show is the ideal venue for showcasing a wide range of products and services related to food and gastronomy,” said Asiha Grigsby, senior director of international promotion for the Western Hemisphere. “Attendees had the opportunity to explore offerings tailored for the hotel, restaurant, and industry (HRI) sector, retail, and supermarkets throughout Latin America.”
A representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Colombia team delivered a welcome address highlighting the export landscape of U.S. agricultural products to Colombia, including an analysis of the consumption patterns of U.S. ag products here, insights into the rice market, and a review of the trade promotion agreement.
“Of course, the USA Rice booth was a hub of activity, showcasing a variety of U.S. rice brands and providing valuable information on import opportunities,” said Grigsby. “Our engagement with the professional foodservice sector was particularly fruitful through our collaboration with Best Choice, an importer and distributor, who joined us to highlight U.S. rice products from their portfolio.”
A highlight of the event was a visit by the U.S. Embassy Charge D'Affaires in Colombia, Francisco Palmieri, who delivered an inspiring speech to the audience at the USA Rice booth, emphasizing the strong trade relations between the U.S. and Colombia.
“With nearly 30,000 visitors this year, the 12th Alimentec Trade Show proved to be an effective platform for USA Rice to enhance its reach and impact in the region,” Grigsby concluded.