Organised by Mares Chile Research Centre, this exhibition allowed coastal fishermen and small scale aquafarmers – especially mussel farmers – to become acquainted with the latest top technology equipment and services available in the local market, reports Peter Nielsen for World Fishing.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the Regional Fisheries’ director Pedro Brunetti, with the presence of the Lord Mayor of Calbuco, Rubén Cárdenas, the ministry of Economy's regional Secretary Marcos Cid, the chairman of the Calbuco Coastal Fishermen’s Cooperative and Mares Chile’s general manager Javier Sánchez.
Right after the Expo was opened to general public, exhibitor Diperk – who represent British marine engine manufacturer Perkins - sold a inboard marine diesel engine to a local tourism launch owner.
Diperk’s local manager commented: “The fact that as soon as the exhibition was opened we sold a marine diesel engine and received an offer for another unit, goes to show that it is very important to exhibit in these exhibitions, it is very important that suppliers reach the final consumer such as coastal fishermen and shellfish farmers, allowing them to be informed of the latest products available.”
This modern engine was acquired by Julio Huinao, whose vessel transports passengers between Calbuco and neighbouring islands. He invested 16.5 million pesos in his new propulsion unit.
Francisco Salazar, Küpfer Express’s showroom manager, commented: “This exhibition is a great idea, a great many potential buyers visited our booth and we made a large number of sales. Not only ropes but also safety equipment such as gloves, boots and rain clothing.”
Hanna Instruments’ Senior Commercial Advisor, Rodrigo Gallardo, added: “We had a very large amount of visitors really interested in our products. Aquaculture producers understand the need of having the best possible equipment in their plants and on growing sites and they make every effort to improve their processes acquiring the best available technology on the market. We sold many oxygen metering sets and gave several hundred quotations to potential customers.”
Other exhibitors who did very well in this exhibition were BASF, local mussel farmers’ store La Casa del Mitilicultor, Fishing Partners Ltd, Fimar, MARCO Industrial, Sport Motors, Anclamar, Motonáutica, Master Inox, Soltero Ingeniería, Ecosub, CORFO, GPS Garmin and many others.
All exhibitors said that they were very pleased with the results of attending in this exhibition and assured that they will take part in the next version.
Aquaculture Exhibition A Success
CHILE - The First Technologic Fishing and Aquaculture Exhibition, held in the fishing port of Calbuco, Chile from 6-7 November has proved successful for exhibitors and attendants.