Start with a kick of spicy seasoning, add mouthwatering U.S. pork and savor t...

Start with a kick of spicy seasoning, add mouthwatering U.S. pork and savor the tantalizing flavor that will have Japanese consumers lining up for more.

Sauce packets were created by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) in cooperation with Daisho, one of the major seasoning manufactures in Japan, to be part of a three-month-long promotion emphasizing the high quality, taste and wholesomeness of U.S. pork.

“Japanese consumers are no strangers to the priceless taste of U.S. pork, but attaching a spicy sauce to our pork packages adds an extra splash of flavor that drives consumers to purchase the product,” said Takemichi Yamashoji, senior marketing director, USMEF Japan.

The U.S. pork sauce campaign features popular menu items in Japan, such as shabu shabu and ginger pork, which can be prepared using the attached sauce packages. Cards featuring popular recipes also will be available to consumers.

“We plan to conduct consumer events with 20 retailers including Ito Yokado, Aeon, Daiei and regional retailers,” said Yamashoji. “As a result, the promotion will take place at more than 1,800 outlets.”

To accompany the in-store U.S. pork promotions, USMEF will be conducting additional consumer communication programs.  

An upcoming cooking show featuring Miyuki Kosaka, a popular Japanese entertainer, and Kazuo Toda, a recognized cooking instructor, will focus on five subjects: health, taste, safety, people and restaurants. In addition, the show will highlight U.S. foodservice and retail trends.

Establishing U.S. pork as a high-quality branded product among retailers, while building recognition and appeal among consumers are the ambitions of the USMEF pork campaign.

“We want to build synergy between U.S. pork and Japanese consumers,” said Yamashoji. “Our goal is for consumers to walk away feeling confident in their decision about purchasing U.S. pork, knowing that it’s safe, tasty and of the best quality.”

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

– USMEF –

The following photos are available with this release.

Photo 1 – USMEF will provide recipe cards featuring popular recipes, such as ginger pork, to consumers who purchase U.S. pork with a spicy flavoring packet attached .

Photo 2 – Shabu shabu, a popular thinly-sliced meat dish in Japan, can be made better with this U.S. pork recipe, provided to consumers during the USMEF pork and spicy sauce campaign.