Opening of Japan Market a Beef Industry Milestone in 2006

Opening of Japan Market a Beef Industry Milestone in 2006: Part I

A spark of opportunity for the beef industry in 2006 was the opening of the Japan market to some U.S. beef.  According to Greg Hanes, U.S. Meat Export Federation Japan director, the reintroduction of the product to Japanese consumers in July followed some very negative publicity for the product.

Hanes says the culture in Japan provides some explanations for misunderstanding of beef demand in the country.

Perceptions are still positive among some very important Japanese audiences.

Hanes says competition and animal age restrictions will continue to pose challenges for the U.S. beef industry in Japan.  Still, he’s optimistic demand for U.S. beef will grow steadily in 2007.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry.  It is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, lamb, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.