Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian tempeh products are entering the Latin American market through a US$125,000 distribution agreement with Chile, the Trade Ministry said Thursday, marking a new step in Indonesia’s global food export strategy.The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding between PT Azaki Food International of Indonesia and Chilean distributor OM SpA at the Indonesia Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Santiago on Wednesday (April 1).The ministry's Director General of National Export Development Fajarini Puntodewi said the agreement illustrates the effective use of the Indonesia–Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IC-CEPA) to boost exports and strengthen trade promotion.“We will continue to support the development of more Indonesian businesses in the global market,” Puntodewi said.The deal follows Indonesia’s participation in the Espacio Food & Service exhibition in Santiago last September, where ITPC facilitated business talks between the two companies.Officials said the agreement not only opens access for tempeh in Chile but also creates pathways into the wider Latin American region.ITPC Santiago head Indah Fajarwati Bachter noted that market entry will proceed in stages, beginning with strengthening distribution networks and product visibility in Chile before expanding regionally.“In the medium term, this collaboration has the potential to reach other Latin American countries. We hope tempeh will be recognized as a leading plant-based food product in the region,” she said.The agreement covers brand management, promotional activities, compliance with import and food regulations, and the development of local distribution partnerships.Director of Primary Product Export Development Miftah Farid welcomed the initiative, saying it could pave the way for other Indonesian products to penetrate Latin American markets.Chile imports more than US$8 billion worth of products annually, with rising demand for healthy and plant-based foods.This trend, driven by lifestyle changes and the search for alternative protein sources, offers opportunities for Indonesian tempeh to grow in the Chilean market.Indonesia’s trade with Chile reached US$535.5 million in 2025, with exports totaling US$441.5 million and imports US$94 million, resulting in a surplus of US$347.5 million.