IARN — Increasing access for United States products internationally remains a top priority, despite current obstacles. We assess a recent effort, which the National Pork Board (NPB) provided funding support for.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) officials last year focused on expanding retail sales of U.S. chilled pork in Hong Kong. Key target areas included: One of Hong Kong’s major supermarket chains and wet market outlets. Joel Haggard, senior vice president for the Asia Pacific, says this was no small feat.
“This project has not been without challenges, including: Lack of familiarity among consumers, but also importers and distributors with vacuum packaged, chilled pork and the logistical challenges of establishing a new supply chain to Hong Kong using ocean vessels rather than air shipped. That has allowed the U.S. to compete price wise, and also freshness wise with chilled pork from the Mainland, Thailand, and Australia,” Haggard said.
Haggard reports “gradual sales increases.” Recent gains can be attributed to “tightened social distancing measures” and “steep prices surrounding locally grown pork.” Challenges still exist, especially when it comes to selling product arriving by ocean vessels in a timely manner. Nonetheless, he looks forward to building up chilled pork in nearby markets.
“Next month we have plans to begin featuring U.S. chilled pork on the Mainland. We are now awaiting the loosening of restrictions on promotion activities in stores. We see demand improving in China as parts of the economy come back online. We are also looking at the feasibility of U.S. chilled pork to Vietnam, which like China has seen a sharp contraction of its hog herd due to ASF,” Haggard said.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
