Indonesia Exports Tempe Worth Rp 2.1 Billion to Chile

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) states that Indonesian tempe producers have signed a distribution cooperation agreement with Chile valued at US$125,000 or approximately Rp 2.1 billion. The agreement is between PT Azaki Food International from Indonesia and OM SpA from Chile. The signing took place at the office of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday (1/4). Director General of National Export Development at Kemendag, Fajarini Puntodewi, said that this agreement serves as an example of utilising the Indonesia-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IC-CEPA). “The Ministry of Trade will continue to support more Indonesian businesses to develop in the global market,” Puntodewi stated. Head of ITPC Santiago, Indah Fajarwati Bachter, explained that Chile will serve as the initial entry point. The strategy focuses on distribution, product visibility, and developing partner networks. “For the medium term, this cooperation has the potential to be expanded to other Latin American countries. We hope this agreement opens doors to introduce tempe as a flagship plant-based food product in the Latin American market,” said Indah. The cooperation covers brand management, promotion, fulfilment of food import regulations, and development of local distribution networks. “We invite Indonesian businesses to explore export opportunities to Chile by contacting ITPC Santiago,” said Miftah. Data from Banco Central de Chile and Chile Customs show that Chile’s imports reach more than US$8 billion per year. Demand for healthy food products continues to increase, especially plant-based and fermented foods. This condition aligns with healthy lifestyle trends and the need for alternative proteins. Tempe is seen to have opportunities to develop in that market. In 2023, total trade between Indonesia and Chile reached US$535.5 million. Indonesia’s exports were recorded at US$441.5 million, while imports were US$94 million. Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of US$347.5 million.