KOTRA Hosts Largest-Ever 'Expo Korea' in Ecuador, Accelerates Entry into Latin America

Held in Quito from June 4 to 6
Major Local Distributors and Buyers Participated
Record-Breaking Sales Achieved

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on the 7th that it successfully hosted the largest-ever comprehensive exhibition of Korean consumer goods in Latin America, the '2026 Expo Korea', in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, to support Korean consumer goods' entry into the Latin American market.

The exhibition hall scene of the '2026 Ecuador Expo Korea' held from the 4th to 6th (local time) in Quito, Ecuador. KOTRA

This event was organized to directly connect the rapidly growing demand for K-consumer goods in Ecuador with local distribution networks, coinciding with the upcoming implementation of the Korea-Ecuador Strategic Economic Cooperation Agreement (SECA).

Held over three days starting from the 4th, the exhibition featured 50 local major distribution channels and buyers operating their own booths to promote promising Korean products. A total of 41,494 visitors and 577 buyer companies attended, and among 37 participant companies, sales reached 452,000 dollars, demonstrating strong interest in Korean products.

In particular, key local distribution companies participated in large numbers, including Favorita, Ecuador's largest distributor by market capitalization and sales, operating over 550 stores nationwide; Dipaso, the top importer of K-beauty products; Las Fragancias, with 40 stores nationwide; and ETA Fashion. These distributors have been working with KOTRA's Quito Trade Office to expand their offerings of K-consumer goods and increase their share of direct imports.

At the '2026 Ecuador Expo Korea' held from the 4th to the 6th (local time) in Quito, Ecuador, visitors are seen exploring K-Beauty products at the exhibition hall. Photo by KOTRA

At the KOTRA showcase booth, 60 Korean companies seeking to enter the Ecuadorian market presented consumer and household goods, continuously drawing buyers interested in importing Korean products throughout the event. Notably, this showcase featured a wider array of business sectors, including beauty, food, fancy goods, eyewear, and medical products. ARTBOX, a leading stationery and fancy goods company, attracted attention by debuting in Ecuador in collaboration with Casa Korea, a major K-consumer goods importer.

During the exhibition, a variety of experiential events were held in addition to export consultation and the showcase exhibition, including a K-Beauty conference, demonstrations, an agri-food sales event, and a K-pop performance.

Kim Jiyeob, Head of KOTRA's Latin America regional headquarters, said, "K-beauty and food are enjoying great popularity in Latin America, one of the key centers of the Global South," adding, "We will activate diverse partnership channels with major distributors and provide close support for local logistics and customs, aiming to expand exports and enhance our companies' efforts to diversify their export markets."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.