First Quarter Beef, Pork Exports below Last Year’s Pace; Lamb Exports Trend Higher

For the first quarter of 2019, U.S. beef exports were slightly below last year’s record pace while pork exports continued to be slowed by trade barriers, according to March data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. lamb exports were a first quarter bright spot, trending significantly higher than a year ago.

March beef exports totaled 107,655 metric tons (mt), down 4% year-over-year, while value fell 2% to $678 million. For the first quarter, exports were down 3% at 307,306 mt valued at $1.9 billion (down 0.8%).

March beef exports were very strong on a per-head basis, with export value per head of fed slaughter averaging $335.81 – up 1% from a year ago and the highest since December...

February Exports Below Year-Ago Levels for U.S. Pork, Beef

February exports of U.S. pork and beef fell below last year’s levels while lamb exports trended higher, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Pork export volume was down 9% from a year ago in February to 186,745 metric tons (mt), while export value dropped 17% to $455.9 million — the lowest monthly value total since February 2016. For January through February, pork exports were 5% below last year’s pace in volume (388,580 mt) and 13% lower in value ($950 million).

Pork export value averaged $45.12 per head slaughtered in February, up slightly from January but 21% lower year-over-year. The January-February average was $44.93, down 16%. Exports accounted for 24% of total February pork production and ...

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Launches Multi-Million Dollar U.S. Branding Campaign

New Zealand grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and lamb is praised by chefs, retailers and consumers all over the world. Thanks to growing U.S. market demand, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, which represents New Zealand's beef and sheep farmers, is launching an integrated marketing campaign in partnership with leading retail brands to educate consumers on the benefits of grass-fed meat from New Zealand, under the Taste Pure Nature origin brand. The multi-faceted program will launch first in California with online display and video ads, social media, public relations and a bespoke website with information and recipe inspiration.

The campaign will launch with retail-leading brand partners including, The Lamb Company™, the largest North American supplier of lamb and its flagship brand, New Zealand Spring Lamb™, First Light™ and its renowned ...

2018 Beef Exports Record-Large; Pork Export Volume Just Short of 2017 Record

Last year U.S. beef exports shattered the previous value record and achieved a new high for volume, according to year-end 2018 statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork export volume came up just short of the record set in 2017 while value slipped 1 percent year-over-year. U.S. lamb exports rebounded from a down year in 2017, largely due to stronger variety meat demand in Mexico.

Fueled by tremendous demand in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the ASEAN region, U.S. beef exports reached 1.35 million metric tons (mt), up 7 percent from 2017 and exceeding the 2011 record by 5 percent. Export value soared to ...

U.S. Beef Exports Still Red-Hot; Pork Exports Slightly Below Year-Ago Level; Lamb Exports Trend Higher

U.S. beef exports remained on a record-shattering value pace in October, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). October pork exports trended seasonally higher compared to recent months but were still below the results posted in October 2017. Lamb export volume in October more than doubled year-over-year, while value increased nearly 50 percent.

October beef exports totaled 117,838 metric tons (mt), up 6 percent from a year ago, valued at $727.4 million – up 10 percent and the second-highest monthly total on record. For January through October, beef exports totaled 1.13 million mt, up 9 percent year-over-year, while value was up 17 percent to $6.92 billion. For beef muscle cuts only, exports increased 12 percent in volume (867,714 mt) and 19 percent in value ($6.19 billion).

Exports accounted for 13 percent of total beef production in October, which was...

Buyers Show Strong Enthusiasm for U.S. Lamb’s Return to Japan

On Nov. 28, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) launched U.S. lamb’s return to the Japanese market with an educational seminar and tasting event that drew more than 200 chefs, importers, purveyors, trade media and other key food industry professionals to The Strings hotel in Tokyo.

Following the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States in December 2003, Japan was closed to U.S. lamb for nearly 15 years before reopening in July of this year. The USMEF event was designed to showcase the unique flavor profile and other positive attributes of U.S. lamb, introduce menu concepts featuring a variety of lamb cuts and connect suppliers with prospective customers.

“The turnout at the seminar was extremely impressive, and the enthusiasm was even more so,” said Greg Ahart, vice president of sales for Superior Farms. Ahart also serves on the American Lamb Board and the USMEF Executive Committee. “After a 15-year absence from the marketplace, seeing the amount of excitement and...

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Launches New Innovative App

Customers to Receive Offers And Better Ordering Experience

Taziki's Mediterranean Café Launches New Innovative AppBirmingham, AL (Restaurant News Release) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, recently named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing companies, has seen an impressive rise in online ordering and to-go sales in 2018.

During the past three years, the company has experienced an over 200% increase in the amount of online and to-go orders.

As a result, Taziki’s is focusing on efficiency and improving the customer experience with the ordering process. The restaurant is working to create more convenient ways to order ahead, both with a mobile app and online ordering options ...

U.S. Beef Exports Remain Solid; Pork Exports Still Facing Headwinds

U.S. beef exports remained very strong in September while pork exports continued to be impacted by retaliatory duties in China and Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports cooled from the record results posted in August, but were still significantly higher year-over-year. Pork muscle cut exports improved over last September’s volume, but were offset by sharply lower shipments of pork variety meat.

September beef exports totaled 110,160 metric tons (mt), up 6 percent from a year ago, valued at $687.1 million – up 11 percent. For January through September, beef exports were just over 1 million mt, up 9 percent from a year ago, while value surged...

USMEF Statement on Upcoming Trade Negotiations with Japan, EU and UK

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has notified Congress that the Trump administration intends to negotiate three separate trade agreements with Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

“USMEF’s membership, which includes all sectors of the U.S. red meat supply chain, commends the Trump administration for its decision to move forward on trade negotiations with these key trading partners. Global demand for U.S. pork, beef and lamb is strong and exports are on the rise, but we must have a level playing field for this growth to continue. This is a critical step toward reducing tariffs and other trade barriers – especially in Japan, which is our leading value market for red meat exports. The importance and urgency of the U.S.-Japan trade negotiations cannot be overstated. Japan is... 

Blue Ribbon Meats Partners with Niman Ranch in OH, MI and PA

Sustainable agriculture leader partners with premier Ohio distributor to introduce Certified Angus Beef® brand Natural and Certified Humane® meats for restaurants and chefs

Niman Ranch, the pioneering leader in natural, humanely and sustainably raised beef, pork, and lamb, today announced a new partnership with Blue Ribbon Meats in Northeastern Ohio. One of the largest independent distributors of Certified Angus Beef ® brand product in the United States, Blue Ribbon Meats will add Certified Angus Beef ® brand Natural by Niman Ranch for the first time, in addition to Niman Ranch Certified Humane® pork, lamb and prepared products to top chefs and restaurants throughout Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1948, Blue Ribbon Meats continues to set new standards in the wholesale food industry for top choice high-quality meats. Extraordinary customer service, custom cuts and renowned quality meats have been traditions throughout three generations of the Radis family, along with...

USMEF Statement on Japanese Market Reopening to U.S. Lamb

After a nearly 15-year absence, U.S. lamb has officially regained access to Japan, USDA officials announced today. Japan closed to U.S. lamb in December 2003 as a result of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) detected in the U.S. cattle herd.

“Japan was a primary market for U.S. lamb before losing access, so obviously our lamb producers and the lamb industry are very excited about this opportunity to again export our quality products to an upscale market,” said U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair Dennis Stiffler, president of the Texas division of Halperns’ Purveyors of Steak and Seafood and former chief executive officer of Mountain States Rosen, a livestock producer-owned processor and distributor of lamb and veal products. “The Japanese have proven in the past that they are very receptive to the unique flavor of U.S. lamb, and 95 percent of all lamb raised in the U.S. is ...