U.S. Processed Pork Products Highlighted at Seoul Food 2016

U.S. processed pork occupied a special position at the USMEF display at Seoul Food 2016, South Korea’s largest food show, which attracted more than 55,000 visitors this year. USMEF’s promotion of U.S. beef and farm-to-table red meat products, was funded by the Pork Checkoff, the Beef Checkoff Program and the USDA Market Access Program (MAP).

Visitors to Seoul Food 2016 gather at the USMEF booth

To attract consumer interest in U.S. processed pork, USMEF held a consumer event at the show and distributed pork sandwiches, hot dogs and other processed pork products.

“We grouped together in one location most of the U.S. processed pork items sold in the Korean retail sector,” explained Junil Park, USMEF marketing manager in Korea. “We also produced a special U.S. processed pork brochure introducing the items, along with supplier information. After the show, many visitors representing restaurants and other end users contacted USMEF and made inquiries about these products and how to get connected to suppliers.”

A special USMEF display at Seoul Food 2016 highlighted U.S. processed pork products

At the main USMEF booth, tastings of U.S. beef (chuck eye roll and chuck clap tail) and U.S. pork (belly and Boston butt) were offered, as well as samples of U.S. pork sausage, ham and bacon. Among those who stopped by for a sample was Mark Lippert, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea.

Tasting samples of U.S. beef, pork and processed pork products were given to visitors

Seoul Food, the result of a merger of the country’s two best recognized exhibitions –Seoul Food and Food & Hotel Korea – has been around for 30 years. It continues to be a vital “meeting for meat” venue, said Park.

“Seoul Food has become more of a consumer and end user show, and it is still the best venue to introduce U.S. red meat in Korea,” he added.