The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently concluded its annual “A La...

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently concluded its annual “A La Carte Festival” featuring U.S. pork at leading hotels in St. Petersburg, Russia. But the excitement the festival generated in U.S. pork continues.

The festival challenged local chefs to invent new menu items made with U.S. pork for their guests. In addition, participating restaurants distributed informational flyers regarding the high quality and nutritional value of U.S pork.

“The festival gave chefs the opportunity to be creative and highlight the large variety of entrees that can be made with U.S. pork,” said USMEF St. Petersburg Manager Maria Kulakhmetova.

In honor of the festival, a reception and was held at the U.S. Consul General residence. Famous chefs, restaurateurs and others attended the event and were treated to meals prepared by a master class of chefs.

Doubled pork sales, orders and overall popularity of U.S. pork were results of the annual festival.

“Even after the promotion had officially ended, hotels were so impressed with the excitement and response guest had about U.S. pork, all of the participating hotels chose to leave the updated U.S. pork menu and flyers in their restaurants,” said Kulakhmetova.  

U.S pork and pork variety meat exports to Russia through May were 38,635 metric tons valued at $72.6 million.

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 –