Where is the next next potential growth market for U.S. red meat? Joe Schuele with the U.S. Meat Export Federation tells us about a new initiative.
Emerging markets were a hot topic at the recent U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) board of directors meeting in Kansas City, as USMEF members learned about potential opportunities for U.S. beef, pork and lamb in regions such as Latin America, Central and Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
With a large population and rapid economic growth, another region being examined for its export potential is West Africa – including countries such as Angola, Benin, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo. Dan Halstrom, USMEF senior vice president for marketing and communications, discusses a new USMEF initiative that seeks to identify opportunities for U.S. red meat products in these destinations. Reflecting on his recent visit to the region, Halstrom says most imported beef and pork is currently sold in traditional wet markets. But he sees potential for rapid growth in modern retail, as well as in the hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI) sectors.