U.S. Pork’s Quality, Consistency on Display for China’s Large Processors

As far and away the world’s largest producer and consumer of pork, China’s need for imports fluctuates according to its own production cycles but it is always an attractive target for pork-producing nations. A key USMEF marketing strategy in China is building a strong partnership for U.S. pork with China’s major meat processors. Educating these key buyers about the quality and consistency of U.S. pork helps keep the United States atop the list of China’s pork suppliers.

USMEF Technical Services Manager Travis Arp conducts a carcass breakdown and cutting demonstration

USMEF recently conducted a series of educational seminars in China for key personnel at COFCO Meat Investment Co., Synear Food Holdings and Shuanghui Group. Funding for the seminars was provided by the Illinois Soybean Association, along with third-party support from the participating processors. To conduct the seminars, USMEF-Shanghai Marketing Manager Ming Liang and USMEF Technical Services Manager Travis Arp were joined by Dr. Andy Milkowski and Dr. Jeff Sindelar of the University of Wisconsin-Madison – where they serve, respectively, as adjunct professor in the department of animal sciences and associate professor and extension meat specialist.

The seminars focused on two main areas: handling and utilization of frozen U.S. pork as raw materials for processing and the technologies and practices involved in producing U.S. processed meat. Demonstrations were conducted in a classroom setting, but participants also had the opportunity for hands-on training and one-on-one discussions with members of the panel.

“It was clear that some of the seminar participants were unfamiliar with proper use and handling of frozen raw materials and how to determine their quality,” Liang said. “This setting gave USMEF a great opportunity to discuss defrosting methods, proper storage times and inventory management. We were able to address many concerns about frozen pork and clear up inaccurate perceptions about U.S. products.”

Key personnel at Shuanghui Group – one of China’s largest meat processors – learn about proper handling and usage of frozen raw materials

Holding the seminars on-site gave the participants the added benefit of allowing the USMEF delegation to offer observations and recommendations regarding equipment, sanitation and other factors that can affect product quality.

“In some instances we found that while the processing equipment was very modern, there was room for improvement in terms of maintenance and sanitation,” Liang explained. “Obviously these are recommendations that will improve the companies’ performance regardless of whether they are working with domestic or U.S. raw materials. But assisting them with these issues helps USMEF build trust and establish a strong working relationship with these key buyers, which will benefit the U.S. industry greatly in the long run.”