China’s economy is off to a good start in 2023 as consumer spending rallies from extended pandemic restrictions. Foodservice is rebounding and importers are working aggressively with restaurant customers to meet changing demand from consumers. The pursuit of fresh ideas is creating new opportunities for high-quality, grain-fed U.S. beef in a sector that is accustomed to lean, grass-fed beef from South America.
USMEF partnered with a key importer to conduct training on specific U.S. beef cuts for one of its customers, a hot-pot chain with more than 150 outlets in top tier cities. The CEO of the restaurant chain joined members of its research and development and quality control teams and Shanghai Podun staff for the seminar, led by USMEF China Director Polly Zhao. She provided an overview of U.S. beef production with an emphasis on how structured grain-feeding programs in the United States contribute to the marbling that fosters cut versatility and creates flavor in U.S. beef.