Bold opening: The USW-led delegation is turning a simple industry gathering into a strategic bridge between American wheat farmers and Latin American millers, with tangible growth on the horizon. And this is the part most people miss—the relationships built at ALIM aren’t just cordial chats; they translate into sustained demand for U.S. wheat across markets.
USW has stood as a steadfast partner to ALIM for over four decades, acting as a conduit between U.S. wheat growers and the mills that rely on their grain. A recent delegation of USW leaders and farmer-directors celebrated and deepened these connections during ALIM’s November conference in Cartagena, Colombia.
"As one of the longest-standing sponsors, we’ve consistently supported the ALIM conference as an important event," said Mike Spier, USW president and CEO, who led the delegation. "The ALIM conference links USW and U.S. wheat producers with Latin America’s milling industry. For 45 years, this partnership has built trust, shared expertise, and supported demand for all classes of U.S. wheat."
The 2025 conference, held from November 23–26, drew more than 200 flour mills and 300 industry contacts from the region. The gathering focused on strengthening relationships, examining trends in wheat flour consumption, and addressing industry challenges. Notably, mills from Colombia and Chile underscored the need for clearer consumer education on the health benefits of wheat foods to counter misinformation and drive per-capita consumption higher.
The USW contingent featured Spier; Brian Liedl, USW vice president of overseas operations; Tyllor Ledford, USW market analyst; Jim Pellman, USW chairman from North Dakota; Mike Carstensen, USW secretary-treasurer from Washington; and regional USW staff.
"A strong USW presence at the ALIM conference reinforces the long-term commitment of U.S. wheat farmers to flour millers in Latin America," Spier stated. "This event also showcases the ongoing efforts of our farmers to supply high-quality wheat that delivers value for millers, bakers, and consumers worldwide."
Liedl noted that participating in a market with rising demand offers a prime chance to reinforce relationships with millers and industry leaders, demonstrate the reliability of U.S. wheat, and explore new growth opportunities in South America.
Quality and reliability showcased
Liedl delivered a presentation on global supply and demand, highlighting the robustness and quality of U.S. wheat. The conference also served as a platform to spotlight emerging trends in the U.S. wheat sector and to demonstrate how product innovation and consistent quality support regional growth.
A tangible demonstration of collaboration occurred when a major Colombian customer produced breads using U.S. wheat. The loaves impressed attendees with their appearance and quality, and many took extras home to share with family and colleagues.
"Colombia was an excellent venue for presenting our high-quality wheat to buyers in the South American market," Liedl remarked. "We participate in these conferences to reconnect with customers and remind them of the reliability of the United States as a wheat supplier. These interactions also help identify new opportunities to meet the growing regional demand."
Cartagena’s selection as the conference site carried significance, reflecting Colombia’s dynamic and expanding role in U.S. wheat trade. Through October 23, 2025, Colombia had imported 499,000 metric tons (18.3 million bushels) of U.S. wheat for the 2025/2026 marketing year, up 77% from the previous year.
Ledford emphasized the educational value of ALIM and the importance of face-to-face engagement with customers. The event also provided a frontline view of South America’s rapidly evolving and increasingly important wheat market.
"We’re seeing substantial growth in the region, and we expect even stronger U.S. wheat exports ahead," Ledford said. "Our USW team engaged in meaningful conversations with Latin American milling leaders. Farmer directors answered questions and helped humanize the U.S. wheat industry—an aspect that matters deeply in this business."
Expanding regional ties across Latin America
Beyond South American buyers, ALIM drew milling leaders from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Venezuela. Attendees represented eight countries across four subregions, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.
Mitch Skalicky, USW regional vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean (based in Mexico City), remarked, "Since ALIM’s inception, USW’s leadership in the region has fostered enduring trust, confidence, and collaboration with buyers. Given recent shifts in milling ownership structures in the Dominican Republic, leaders there plan to host the 2026 ALIM assembly in November 2026, and we will continue to support this important event."
The ongoing engagement underscores a strategic vision: strengthen supply chains, grow demand for U.S. wheat, and ensure that millers across Latin America see the U.S. as a dependable, innovative partner capable of fueling their own growth and that of their customers.
Should you have thoughts on how shifting regional dynamics might influence future wheat trade, share them in the comments. Is the emphasis on consumer education in health benefits the key to unlocking deeper market penetration, or do other factors—such as price, logistics, and milling technology—play an equally decisive role?
