With nearly 19,000 direct jobs and a network of 9,000 suppliers—70% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises—the Chilean pork sector is a major driver of development for the country. Its contribution extends far beyond food production: it boosts local economies, generates employment opportunities, and promotes increasingly safe and inclusive work environments with greater opportunities for personal growth.
Behind every production process, every innovation, and every export lies an essential asset: the thousands of people who, with commitment, experience, and dedication, make it possible for the sector to continue growing and bringing quality food to consumers.
Currently, the sector generates around 19,000 direct jobs and mobilizes a network of 9,000 suppliers, of which 70% correspond to small and medium-sized enterprises, contributing to the economic and social development of numerous communes and regions of the country.
“People are at the heart of the pork sector. Every advance in productivity, animal welfare, food safety, sustainability, and innovation is made possible by the commitment of thousands of employees who contribute with professionalism and dedication every day. Our challenge is to continue strengthening workplaces where people can develop, grow, and plan for their future, because the sector’s success depends on the talent and commitment of those who make it possible,” emphasizes Daniela Álvarez, Sustainability Manager at ChileCarne.
The development of the sector has gone hand in hand with a continuous effort to strengthen working conditions and promote safer, more inclusive and well-being-oriented work environments for those who are part of the sector.
This commitment was reflected in the 2025 Clean Production Agreement (CPA) Impact Report for the pork sector, an initiative that incorporated measures to strengthen the social sustainability of farms through policies of non-discrimination, risk prevention, training and worker well-being.
One of the most significant advances has been the consolidation of labor policies aimed at promoting respectful and inclusive work environments. By the end of the process, 100% of the participating companies had a current non-discrimination policy, reflecting a major step forward in formalizing these commitments.
The results also demonstrate concrete improvements in workplace safety. Between 2021 and 2024, the average accident rate decreased by 27%, from 6.35 to 4.66 accidents per 100 workers. Furthermore, all participating companies implemented risk prevention plans, strengthening a preventative culture in their operations.
In terms of gender equality, women’s participation continues to advance, especially in leadership positions. Currently, between 43% and 45% of management positions are held by women, while their participation in administrative roles reaches approximately 28%, reflecting sustained progress towards more diverse work teams.
In addition, permanent employment has grown. Between 2021 and 2024, the 136 participating facilities increased their permanent staff by 25%, from 1,684 to 2,109 employees. While the workforce remains predominantly male, the participation of women continues to increase gradually, reflecting a positive transformation in the sector’s composition.
The figures show the economic and social impact of the sector, but it is the stories of those who are part of it that best reflect its contribution.
In the pork industry, it’s common to find employees who have built long careers within the same company, growing professionally and passing on their experience to new generations. At the same time, more and more women and young people are joining an industry that is constantly evolving, incorporating new technologies, higher sustainability standards, and a culture of continuous improvement.
That is the case of Claudia Orellana, who joined the bagging area of the Maxagro slaughterhouse in 2021 with a clear objective: to find job stability to provide a better future for her daughter.
Through hard work, commitment, and a constant willingness to learn, she acquired new skills and adapted to the high standards of quality, hygiene, and safety that characterize the sector. Today, she is a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee and also provides support in coordinating her area, assisting new employees in their onboarding process.
“I joined seeking stability for my family and found an opportunity to grow. Over time, I’ve learned a lot, taken on new responsibilities, and been able to demonstrate my abilities. Today, I’m motivated to continue developing and sharing my experience with those who are just starting out, because we all contribute to making the work better every day,” she says.
Miquel Colomer, Head of Engagement Programs at Agrosuper, shares a similar experience, noting that joining the company allowed him to become part of a dynamic and innovative industry, within a company with a solid track record and a long-term vision. During his time with the organization, he has had the opportunity to develop professionally through continuous learning, collaborative work, and the chance to contribute to the company’s sustainable growth from his area of expertise. He also values the company’s commitment to the well-being of its people and communities, as well as the development opportunities and the importance it places on fostering a culture based on trust, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging.
“I was motivated by the opportunity to be part of a highly relevant, dynamic, and innovative industry. In particular, Agrosuper is a company with a strong sense of integrity. By this, I mean that it strives for optimal performance in financial, environmental, and social aspects, which also translates into a constant concern for the care and well-being of its employees and their communities. What I would highlight most is that they are committed to instilling the company culture in their people, fostering commitment, trust, and camaraderie, while at the same time providing the necessary tools to grow and contribute to the success of a company that is committed to sustainable development,” he says.
The career path of Diego Donoso, Production Manager at Agrícola Chorombo, also reflects the development opportunities offered by the sector. He has been with the company for nearly 20 years, during which time he has worked in various departments, acquiring new knowledge and taking on greater responsibilities until reaching a decision-making position. From his experience, he emphasizes that the incorporation of new technologies and process lines not only strengthens operations but also generates new employment and growth opportunities for employees.
“One of the sector’s main strengths is its potential for continuous growth. The addition of new machinery and processing lines creates more opportunities for employees to develop within the company. Furthermore, the stability this sector offers over the years is very important, since, as it is one of the most consumed proteins, there is always a demand that keeps the jobs going,” he points out.
Like Claudia, Miquel, and Diego, thousands of people have found in the pork sector an opportunity to build a career, access ongoing training, and advance their professional development. Their stories reflect that the sector’s growth is not only measured by its production or exports, but also by its ability to generate quality jobs, strengthen local economies, and contribute to the well-being of the families and communities where it operates.
“The growth of the sector must always be accompanied by the development of people. Investing in training, safety, well-being, and inclusion strengthens the future of the pork sector and contributes to the sustainable development of the regions where we operate. This will continue to be one of our main commitments,” concludes Daniela Álvarez.
Beyond production figures, exports, and technological advancements, the development of the Chilean pork sector is built on its people. They are the ones who drive innovation, raise quality standards, and contribute to building an increasingly competitive and sustainable sector. Strengthening their development, well-being, and opportunities will remain a key factor in facing future challenges and continuing to contribute to the country’s economic and social growth.
