Bart van Rijt

Born in The Netherlands, where my parents traded in charcuterie sourced in Europe and sold in The Netherlands, Belgium and the Caribbean. From childhood years on visited business relations and Trade Shows in entire Europe. After graduation studied Spanish in Barcelona and did several internships in the Spanish charcuterie industry. Started working at family business, and with my Spanish knowledge’s of language, product and culture the product portfolio expanded with Spanish ceramics and Mediterranean specialties, e.g. olives, olive oil, roasted bread, sauces and tapas. Also we started exporting to Latin America and soon this area became my favorite holiday destination. We sold the family business and I went on a Sabbatical year in South America. After returning worked one year at a Dutch trading business of Agro products. In 2009 founded ALEC International, a tribute to my passion for food, international trade and Latin America. With focus on Agro products like onions, garlic and beans. Through various road trips of several months each crossed entire Latin America by car. Crossed so not only North-South but also East-West. Totally drove over 200.000Km gaining extensive knowledge of culture, country and customs. At a such a travel in the year 2013 I met my wife in Paraguay and opened there regional office Latin America and and since year 2018 I focus on export of Paraguayan chía seeds (conventional and/or organic). In my career attented at Trade Shows, Trade Missions and Business Rounds worldwide, e.g. USA, Japan, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and nationwide Europe. For more information see my public profile at LinkedIn