November 27, 2012

Japan will export Kobe beef to the US on Thursday (Nov 29), the first time the product will be exported to a destination outside Asia.

A total of around 170 kilogrammes of fillet, loin and other parts from five cows will be shipped from a meat vendor in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and delivered to two steakhouses in San Francisco, the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association said on Monday (Nov 26).

Kobe beef comes from cattle of the Tajima strain raised under strict standards in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, and is known for its tenderness and high degree of fat marbling.

"We think people in a major meat-consuming country like the US will also have an interest in Kobe beef," an association official said.

Exports of Kobe beef began this year and about 10 tonnes has so far been exported to Macao and Hong Kong.