While signs of a recovery in tourism have brought optimism to Japan, the yen’s ongoing weakness continues pressuring the purchasing plans of buyers, including those who serve the retail and foodservice sectors.
Quality remains a top purchasing criteria in the high-value Japan market, however, leading to growing interest among the trade in new ideas and alternative red meat options. Two of Japan’s largest food trade shows gave the U.S. red meat industry opportunities to demonstrate and promote a wide range of beef and pork cuts as options to help meet the evolving needs of retailers and foodservice chains.