Colombian foods were enjoyed at a specialized fair in South Korea

Presented at the first stand Colombia has ever had at Seoul Food & Hotel 2012, one of the largest food fairs in Asia, Colombian products were accepted in a positive way and with interest shown by Asian buyers.

"Coffee from Colombia is known in Korea for having the highest quality, that is why I want to incorporate it in my product portfolio," stated Kim, from Hanwha Trade.

South Korean buyers also accepted Panela. "I thought the dark panela was delicious. I am going to explore business opportunities with this product," assured Suh, from EZ Food.

With the support of PROCOLOMBIA and Kotra (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), seven companies participated with pulverized panela, special coffee, chocolate, meats and palm oil. The companies were Café Liofilizado Buendía, Casa Luker, C.I Tequendama (Daabon), Compañía Nacional de Chocolates, Colcafé, Doñapanela and Procesan.

In turn, Yoo Tae Gyun, president of Hanmi Ingredients, assured that "the Colombian foods that I managed to see at this fair are excellent, and also exquisite. I will import some of them, especially the organic ones."

Sol Beatriz Arango, from the Compañía Nacional de Chocolates, said "the people that visited us showed interest in the characteristics offered by the chocolates as far as the quality, flavor and benefits."

She also explained that, "the market is demanding as far as pricing and quality, but they are also seeking new applications, new flavors and above all, healthy concepts."

The fair, which took place at the Korean International Exhibition Center of Seoul, South Korea, had 1,100 exhibitors from 45 countries and was attended by almost 44,000 people, among them presidents, directors, executives and administrators from producers, retailers and distributors from the food industry.

According to information from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, with data from the DANE, the Colombian agro-industrial sector exported USD$9.7 million to South Korea in 2011, registering an increase of 61.3 percent when compared to 2010.

The products with the most sales were derived from coffee (USD$5.2 million), and sugars and honeys (USD$1.4 million). Products derived from cocoa, oils and greases, and flowers also had a positive reception.