U.S. Pork and Beef Showcased at Major Barbecue Festival in Panama

Endorsed for the first time by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the 15th edition of Panama’s Barbecue Fest recently drew more than 9,000 consumers and grilling enthusiasts to a weekend event in Panama City, Panama. Forty certified judges from KCBS selected winners from more than 100 grillers in several categories, including pork ribs, Boston butt, briskets and burgers. Category winners will represent Panama in an international barbecue contest in Tennessee in October.

“Barbecuing and grilling is becoming very popular in the region,” says Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s representative in Central America and Dominican Republic. “This is perfect for U.S. beef and pork because the grill is a great way to showcase the many great attributes of high-quality U.S. red meat.”

The industry’s presence at this barbecue and grilling event is a great reminder to meat lovers that high-quality U.S. red meat is available in Panama, adds Ruano.

Funding for USMEF’s participation at the festival was provided by the National Pork Board and the Beef Checkoff Program.

Along with information about U.S. production, USMEF provided tips about proper defrosting methods for meat while also hosting a game about pork and beef cuts during the festival