The U.S. Meat Export Federation recently conducted an educational seminar highlighting the quality attributes of U.S. lamb. The presented in front of importers and distributors serving Mexico’s foodservice sector.
The seminar got support from the American Lamb Board and the USDA Market Access Program. USMEF held the event in Mexico’s West Coast wine country near Ensenada. The seminar included cutting and cooking demonstrations and presentations by U.S. suppliers.
Gary Pfeiffer with Superior Farms said the event allowed his company to make excellent contacts with prospective buyers. He says he also got a better understanding of their product needs.
“Mexico has always been an important export destination for us,” he says. “What was really exciting about it was this really introduced us to a lot more distributors, and most importantly, a much better understanding of the food service scene in Mexico.”
Pfeiffer added that attendees were excited at the prospect of importing fresh U.S. lamb as an alternative to the frozen product available from overseas suppliers.
“There’s certainly an opportunity for growth throughout Mexico with American lamb,” he says. “They were very excited to hear that we offered a fresh option because I think they’re used to getting primarily frozen meat from overseas.”