September 24, 2003

Mexico A Growing Market For US Meat

Mexico is emerging as a steady growth market U.S. red meat products, with beef demand leading, according to a release on the U.S. Meat Export Federation Web site.

The USMEF is responsible for building markets worldwide for U.S. beef, pork and lamb. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, exporting companies and the beef, pork, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.

Mexico has a population of over 100 million, and a growing economy, factors cited for the growth in imported beef demand. As average wealth goes up and more people dine out, and shop in big supermarkets, this will fuel demand for high quality U.S. beef and meat products, said USMEF Chief Executive Phil Seng.

To generate awareness of U.S. red meats, the USMEF in Mexico organised a cooking competition and has marketed new U.S. beef and pork cuts in restaurants and to retail outlets to promote the image of U.S. red meats.

In 2002, the value of U.S. beef and variety meat exports to Mexico was $854 million, as  Mexico overtook Japan to become the top export market for U.S. beef on a volume basis.