U.S. Lamb Makes Inroads in Guatemala

U.S. lamb rack and leg of lamb are entering the Guatemalan foodservice market

With a boost from recent USMEF trade team visits, a Guatemalan importer has introduced U.S. lamb into the market. Grupo Campeón is offering U.S. leg of lamb and rack of lamb to its foodservice customers, products supplied by USMEF member Superior Farms.

“In the short term we are focused on the foodservice market,” said Lucia Ruano, head buyer for Grupo Campeón. “But we are also evaluating the potential for U.S. lamb in the retail sector, depending on how Guatemalan consumers respond to the product.”

The company’s interest in U.S. lamb heightened during a USMEF trade team visit to the Americas Food and Beverage Show in Miami in 2013. When visiting the event again last year, the decision was made to introduce U.S. lamb cuts.

“The USMEF trade teams we have participated in have been very beneficial for our company,” Ruano said. “It’s an excellent way for importers to gather information on new products and make connections with suppliers.”