January 17, 2006

US pork demand doubles in Korea in 2005

Strong marketing initiatives by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has paid off handsomely as American pork remained a favourite in international markets in 2005.

An increase in US pork and pork variety meat exports in the first 11 months of 2005 reflected South Korean demand, with a 178 percent increase in volume at 64,385 tonnes and a 198 percent increase in value at US$139.6 million.

Marketing efforts have also paid off in the form of a 13 percent worldwide increase in US pork export volume in the first 11 months of 2005, said Brett Stuart, USMEF director of trade analysis.

Chilled US pork exports to Asian markets has also maintained strong growth thanks to improved packing technology, longer shelf life, and improved transportation methods.