Miami show becomes a hotspot for U.S.-Latin America meat trade
The Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami recently became a focal point for enhancing U.S. meat exports, thanks to efforts by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
USMEF brought together 27 buyers from across Latin America to connect with U.S. red meat suppliers, aiming to fortify trade ties and expand market reach.
The event, which featured representatives from five continents and included more than 700 companies, offered a rich environment for networking and business discussions.
USMEF capitalized on this opportunity by arranging a series of strategic meetings and tours. These included visits to U.S. supplier offices and retail tours, which were instrumental in demonstrating the quality and merchandising of U.S. red meat.
A significant aspect of the event was the focused engagement with a Cuban delegation, which attended pre-show seminars aimed at navigating the complexities of the meat trade within Cuba.
Elizabeth Wunderlich’s insights highlighted the potential in the Cuban market, noting, "Exporting to Cuba can be difficult, but it is doable. The members of the Cuba team are well-versed on Cuba’s import procedures and they are getting permits."
These efforts are reflective of a broader strategy to tap into emerging markets in Latin America, where there is a growing demand for high-quality U.S. meat products. The results are evident in the substantial increase in pork exports to Cuba, with a 423% rise reported in the first eight months of 2024.
Supported by funding from industry checkoffs and the USDA's Market Access Program, USMEF's initiatives at the Americas Food & Beverage Show underline the importance of targeted trade events in promoting U.S. agricultural exports.
As USMEF continues to bridge the gap between U.S. suppliers and international markets, the potential for growth in Latin American markets remains promising, driven by strategic engagement and comprehensive trade facilitation.