MEXICO-BUILDING UP BEEF EXPORTS.
There will soon be a new player from the Americas competing in the sizzling local beef industry.
No, it is not Canada or one of the South American countries. The new player comes from Mexico, which already accounts for about 3 percent of Korea’s beef consumption.
Last week the Mexican Beef Exporters Association kicked off their first major promotional campaign to local food service professionals and journalists, offering them a plethora of Korean and Mexican dishes that can be prepared using Mexican beef.
Rogelio Perez, the director of the association, explained that this is just one of the many campaigns planned for this year. They will be working with local butcher shops, food service commercial companies, grocery chains, restaurants and hotels to further promote their product.
They will also conduct seminars for local chefs on the benefits of using Mexican beef in Korean restaurants.
The association will also invite one local journalist to visit Mexico’s production and supply chains from start to finish.
To help spread the word they will place promotion materials such as billboards in various establishments.
Under the slogan "The Safe Choice" the Mexican Beef industry is looking to increase its current share of the market but are realistic that the economic downturn will either keep the consumption the same or lower.
The Mexican Embassy on the other hand believes they can increase the numbers to five percent, "but we want to increase that higher," said Perez.
"The difference between Mexican beef and the ones from its northern neighbors is that we do not have BSE or mad cow outbreaks," said Perez. "We have a little less fat than they do and because of Mexico’s environmental situation it gives it a special flavor."
As for the price consumers will pay once Mexican beef is widely spread on local shelves, Perez said they plan on pricing it in between Australian and American beef prices.
"Of course it depends on the choice and cut but comparably, given it’s the same cut and quality as the Americans or Australians, it will be priced between the two," he said.
Currently Mexican beef is only distributed in large quantities to restaurants, but within the year it is highly feasible that Mexican beef will be sold at your local grocery store or butcher. Ole!
