‘Noche del Pato’ or the ‘Night of the Duck’ shines in Colombia 

BOGOTA and MEDELLIN, Colombia – The culinary landscape of Colombia is undergoing a delightful transformation, thanks to a pair of events hosted by the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) and sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance. Titled “Noche del Pato” – or The Night of the Duck) – these gatherings brought together industry leaders and culinary professionals in Bogota and Medellin for a unique experience dedicated to celebrating the versatility of American duck. 

On July 21 at La Plaza de Andrés Restaurant in Bogota and on July 23 at the Inzolente Rooftop in Medellin, the atmosphere was a mix of networking, education and pure gastronomic enjoyment. More than 200 participants from leading hotels, restaurants and food service companies attended eager to discover the potential of this premium protein. 

Each event featured interactive and educational booths. Executive Chef Daniel Riveros offered attendees a live demonstration, showcasing the art of cutting and cooking American duck. His presentation provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the product’s unique characteristics, cuts and culinary applications, reinforcing the advantages of adding American duck to their menus. 

Attendees were treated to a menu of 4-5 appetizers, each a testament to duck’s versatility. From savory confit to perfectly seared breast, the dishes sparked conversations and inspired new ideas. 

Importers Joyería Gastronómica and De La Sabana also hosted booths where they presented their product portfolios and pricing, making it easy for attendees to turn their culinary inspiration into a solid business plan. The events served as a vital platform for building new relationships and strengthening existing ones, with the overall goal of driving sales and expanding the market for American duck. 

A commercial triumph 

The “Noche del Pato” events were not just a feast for the senses; they were a commercial triumph. The meticulously planned gatherings, which began with preparations two months in advance, delivered impressive results that far exceeded expectations. 

Surveys conducted after the events revealed overwhelming approval. An estimated 90 percent of attendees in Bogota and 87 percent in Medellin gave the speakers the highest possible rating. This positive feedback underscored the value of the technical and culinary information shared. 

The most compelling data, however, came from the attendees’ business intentions. A remarkable 94.3 percent of Bogota’s participants and 98 percent of Medellin’s indicated that they would introduce American duck products into their business. Furthermore, a combined 90 percent across both cities found it beneficial to incorporate U.S. duck products. 

“The venue was an excellent choice, providing a welcoming space for meaningful conversations with potential clients and ensuring the full attention of the audience,” said a representative from Joyería Gastronómica. 

Another importer, De La Sabana, added, “This format has been highly effective in positioning duck within the HRI sector. It enabled strong connections with individuals who previously had no knowledge of duck.” 

Organizers have identified key opportunities for growth. Future events may expand to cities such as Barranquilla to capitalize on strong market potential. They also plan to incorporate more market insights and international trends to further enrich the content for industry professionals. 

The success of “Noche del Pato” 2025 has set a foundation for future initiatives, paving the way for American duck to become a staple in Colombian cuisine.