Canadian beef regains Central and South American markets

Exports of Canadian beef to Central and South American markets have started to make a comeback, according to Canadian Beef Export Federation.

Pre-BSE, trade to these markets peaked at 6,000 tonnes. Over half of this trade was to Peru, and with almost 20% going to Colombia. Other markets included Venezuela, Equador, Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are open to under-30-month Canadian boneless beef.

In 2009, Colombia and Panama normalised trade, and early export results in 2010 are signalling the comeback of Canadian beef in these important markets.

"Having these traditional markets for liver, heart and kidney open adds much needed value to the Canadian industry," said Ted Haney, president of the Canada Beef Export Federation.

The normalisation of trade with Peru is anticipated as the next development, he said. "The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is communicating with its counterpart SENASA in Peru regarding the technical protocols requisite for market opening," he added.

Canadian beef exports to Peru, which depends upon imports to meet its beef demand, reached a high of 3,000 tonnes in 2001.

Exports from Canada to Peru before market closure were mostly offal products. As Canada moves forward, there is going to be a larger proportion of high value cuts in addition to its traditional offal going to these markets, Haney said.

The federation is also facilitating a mission with 12 Peruvian buyers to Canada, representing the companies responsible for approximately 90% of Peru's total meat import transactions.