Business travel is more than just meetings and customer visits—it’s about understanding markets, strengthening partnerships, and discovering what drives customer expectations across the globe. My recent visits to Chicago (USA), Peru, and Colombia offered valuable insights into emerging opportunities while reinforcing one simple truth: strong relationships are the foundation of successful business.
A key highlight of the journey was attending the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago, one of the world’s largest foodservice and hospitality exhibitions. The event reflected a clear global shift toward sustainable packaging, with products such as paper bags, sandwich wrap paper, brown and white greaseproof paper, and baking sheets attracting significant interest. It was encouraging to see businesses actively seeking eco-friendly alternatives as they transition away from plastic packaging.
Peru presented a market that values quality, consistency, and long-term partnerships. Conversations with customers highlighted the importance of dependable products backed by strong technical support. The warmth and openness of the people made every interaction meaningful and laid the foundation for lasting relationships.
In Colombia, the market stood out for its immense growth potential. Customer interactions provided deeper insights into local preferences, pricing dynamics, and product requirements. The demand for 100% bagasse paper in both brown and white shades, along with greaseproof paper for the foodservice and bakery industries, continues to grow, making it one of the most promising markets for sustainable packaging solutions.
While every destination offered unique learnings, one message remained consistent—business is built on trust, communication, and commitment. Face-to-face conversations create stronger connections, foster collaboration, and help us better understand our customers’ evolving needs.
Every journey expands our perspective, strengthens our partnerships, and opens the door to new opportunities. As we continue to grow our global footprint, these experiences remind us that our greatest strength lies not just in the products we create, but in the relationships we build along the way.
