The Brazilian market for Chilean salmon has grown substantially over the last five years with a steady increase in shipped volumes and export returns.
In 2013 Chile exported US$485.5 million worth of salmon to Brazil, more than triple the exported value from 2008.
The jump in revenues was accompanied with a near 14 percent increase in shipped volume to Brazil at the same time.
Felipe Sandoval, president of Chilean salmon association SalmonChile, said Brazil's demand for more Chilean salmon has been born from Brazil's growing middle class, geographic proximity and general interest for healthier protein options.
"We belong to the same region and that makes from logistics to commercial contracts, have also affected public-private campaigns that seek to position the brand 'Chilean Salmon' and encourage the consumption of this product in Brazil, while this nation has the world's largest Japanese community, which consumes our product as a regular part of their diet," said Sandoval.
But Brazil has not been the only market to take interest in Chilean salmon. Sandoval noted more demand from Asian markets including China and Russia.
"Currently the countries are more open to Eastern markets, this ratio brings a positive result for our industry. The progress and economic growth of these countries brings with it a greater demand for healthy proteins and quality products," Sandoval said.