NCI Participates in NDTO Trade Mission to Santiago, Chile – Specialty Crop Export Program

Northern Crops Institute’s (NCI) Technical Manager, Alberto Jimenez-Diaz recently returned from Santiago, Chile where he attended the Espacio Food & Service 2026 led by the North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO) from September 28th - October 1st, 2026.

The objective of this trade mission, led by the NDTO, was to promote specialty crops from the region with key stakeholders in Chile’s food sector. NCI provided technical expertise and educational support to participating agribusinesses throughout the mission.

The delegation participated in Espacio Food & Service, Chile’s premier B2B food industry trade fair, held at the Espacio Riesco Convention Center in Huechuraba, Santiago. The event attracts more than 50,000 visitors and serves as a leading platform for connecting international suppliers with Chilean food industry buyers and decision-makers.

The North Dakota booth featured representatives from the North Dakota Trade Office, North Dakota Department of Agriculture, East Barton Family Foods, Pemmican Patty Food Company, and the Northern Crops Institute. Participating delegates included Lindsey Warner, Deputy Director of NDTO; Shanna Johnson, International & Domestic Marketing Coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Agriculture; Steve Fritel, Founder and Owner of East Barton Family Foods; Alexander Mabin, Partner at Pemmican Patty Food Company; and Beto Jimenez, Technical Manager at NCI.

The mission began with a market outlook session presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS). The presentation, led by Amanda Hinkle, U.S. Agricultural Attaché to Chile, provided insights into current market conditions and opportunities for U.S. agricultural products in Chile.

Throughout the week, delegates actively engaged with buyers and industry professionals at the USA Pavilion during the expo. NCI met with representatives from several of Chile’s leading food companies to discuss the quality, consistency, and reliability of North Dakota agricultural products, attributes that are highly valued in the Chilean market.

Chile continues to present promising opportunities for North Dakota specialty crops, particularly pulses. Demand interest was noted for dry edible beans, lentils, green peas, and chickpeas, which are important ingredients in Chilean food consumption patterns. The mission provided valuable opportunities to identify new business prospects, and promote the value of North Dakota agricultural products in an expanding international market.