By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently played a pivotal role at the Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami, where they led a delegation of 27 buyers from Central America, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Cuba. This event, one of the largest food trade shows in the region, featured over 700 companies and 20 international pavilions, making it an ideal platform for U.S. red meat suppliers to expand their reach in Latin American markets.
During the show, USMEF organized various activities to facilitate direct interactions between U.S. suppliers and international buyers. These activities included visiting supplier offices, touring facilities, and retail outlets to observe how U.S. red meat is marketed and sold.
A notable highlight was the involvement of the 10-person team from Cuba, who participated in seminars focused on the meat trade environment in Cuba.
"Exporting to Cuba can be difficult, but it is doable. The members of the Cuba team are well-versed on Cuba’s import procedures and they are getting permits," mentioned Elizabeth Wunderlich, USMEF Caribbean Representative.
Additionally, the seminars provided by USMEF staff and a trade specialist included cutting demonstrations and discussions about U.S. pork and beef, which were crucial for educating and engaging the trade team members.
The trade show and subsequent activities have already shown promising results, with U.S. pork exports to Cuba increasing significantly.
From January to August 2024, U.S. pork exports to Cuba saw a remarkable 423% increase, affirming the effectiveness of USMEF’s efforts and the growing demand in Latin American markets.
This initiative was supported by several industry checkoffs and the USDA’s Market Access Program, ensuring that U.S. meat products continue to find new markets and opportunities for growth.
The ongoing work of USMEF and its partners underscores the potential for U.S. agricultural products in international markets and the importance of continued engagement at high-profile events like the Americas Food & Beverage Show.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luoman
Categories: National