USMEF Highlights U.S. Meat at 2006 Pusan Food Show

Market reopening issues were key topics of discussion as educational material, newsletters and selling guidebooks on U.S. beef and pork were handed out by U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representatives at the 2006 Pusan Food Show in Korea May 18-21.

Pusan, an international food expo showcase attended by more than 50,000 visitors from various countries, displayed a wide spectrum of products and ideas from around the world.  It is considered the region's most established and international event, and presented an ideal opportunity for USMEF to showcase U.S. meat products.

USMEF educated attendees regarding Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) by airing a video at the booth focused on meat safety and handling, while U.S pork rib belly, collar butt, jowl meat, foot, sparerib and shank were displayed and handed out as samples.

“Distributing samples gives traders, distributors, and consumers in the Pusan area an opportunity to experience the quality and taste of U.S. pork,” said Min Park, USMEF/Korea Public Relations Manager. “In addition, supplying U.S. pork and beef information books, such as the selling guidebook, gives people an even greater understanding of the meats and their benefits.”

The reopening of the Korean market to U.S. beef was a concern that many traders, retailers and consumers had when they visited the USMEF booth. In addition, many restaurant owners were interested in the comparative price of U.S. pork products.

“After speaking with an array of owners who don’t currently handle U.S. pork, many said they would consider switching to the product at their restaurants after tasting the samples and learning about its pricing information and health benefits,” said Park.

Visitors seemed to have little concern about BSE issues; instead most wanted to know when they could buy U.S. beef again. There was significant excitement about upcoming USMEF seminars and events, which added to the eagerness among consumers at the show for the return of U.S. beef, Park said.

Through the first three months of the year, U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports to Hong Kong/China have increased 23 percent in volume to 24,349 metric tons and 25 percent in value to $30.5 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 –