American meat suppliers are actively working to offer innovative products for the Japanese market

Alternative MEAT cuts from the United States have become the focus of much attention at major food trade shows in Japan. The Supermarket Trade Show provided U.S. suppliers and USMEF staff with the opportunity to showcase a variety of pork cuts.

Despite signs of a recovery in tourism in Japan, continued weakness in the yen is weighing on the plans of buyers, including retail and food services . In such conditions, product quality remains the main criterion when choosing on the expensive Japanese market. This is leading to growing interest among retailers in new ideas and alternative cuts of red meat.

Japan's two largest food trade shows have provided a platform for the American red meat industry to showcase a wide range of pork and beef cuts. This has helped meet the growing needs of retailers and food service chains. For example, the Supermarket Trade Show was specific to the retail sector, which is a very large market for refrigerated and frozen U.S. pork and beef, noted Tom Kasatani, DIRECTOR of marketing for USMEF Japan.

The larger FOODEX trade show provided an opportunity to show Japanese restaurants and retailers how to maintain and expand their offerings of high-quality American pork and beef using alternative cuts. USMEF has actively promoted a range of pork cuts such as loin, sirloin, neck, cushion, and shoulder. They also introduced pork tongue to consumers as an interesting alternative.

As such, American meat suppliers are actively working to offer new and innovative products for the Japanese market. Their efforts are aimed at meeting the needs of retailers and food service chains, as well as maintaining high product quality, which is a key factor for success in the Japanese market.