Prodexpo Showcases U.S. Beef, Pork for Buyers from Russia, Eastern Europe

The U.S. beef and pork industries were well-represented when Moscow recently hosted Prodexpo 2011, the largest food show in Russia and eastern Europe, now in its 18th year. The five-day event attracted more than 2,000 exhibitors from 55 different countries in one of the world’s hottest markets for U.S. red meat. Attendance for the week was 51,000, with more than 90 percent of the attendees being food industry experts and representatives.

With support from the Beef Checkoff, Pork Checkoff and USDA Market Access Program (MAP), USMEF participated in Prodexpo for the 13th consecutive year where it showcased U.S. beef and pork.

In 2010, U.S. beef exports (including variety meat) doubled in volume over the previous year, reaching 57,453 metric tons. The value increase was even more impressive, and a surge in muscle cut demand pushed export value up 279 percent to $152.4 million. Last year’s U.S. pork exports were held back by market access issues early in the year, but still rebounded to nearly 90,000 metric tons valued at $219.5 million.

“Russia continues to be a robust market for U.S. pork as feedgrain costs and other factors make it very difficult for Russia to reach its goal of self-sufficiency,” said John Brook, USMEF regional director for Europe, Russia and the Middle East. “On the beef side, we have a larger tariff rate quota this year, which should help our exports build further momentum on top of our 2010 gains.”

The U.S. share of Russia’s tariff rate quota for beef imports grows from 21,700 metric tons in 2010 to 41,700 metric tons this year. The U.S. share of the pork tariff rate quota remains unchanged at 57,500 metric tons. Exports above and beyond the quotas are subject to much higher duties.

Brook said current export growth opportunities in Russia make Prodexpo an even more critical and beneficial event.

“Year after year, Prodexpo consistently draws new meat buyers, giving us the unique chance to establish new partnerships while we also revisit our loyal business partners,” he said.

During the trade show, USMEF held tasting demonstrations featuring delicious offerings prepared by chef Sasha Malushko. USMEF also held its annual reception to honor U.S. exporters and Prodexpo participants. Scott Reynolds, the FAS minister counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, joined Brook and USMEF-Moscow Manager Galina Kochubeeva in greeting about 230 reception guests, including U.S. meat suppliers and exporters as well as buyers and traders from throughout the region.