The US Meat Export Federation recently held its second US Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City, enabling US exporters to meet face-to-face with prospective buyers from throughout Mexico. The symposium included an examination of Mexico’s economic and political climate and provided opportunities for buyers to connect with US farmers and ranchers. A delegation of 18 producers and other industry leaders participated in the symposium and in market tours.

USMEF Chair Jay Theiler led a delegation of 18 producers and other industry leaders to the US Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City. Courtesy of USMEF

Increasingly important to the US red meat industry, Mexico is the leading destination for US pork, setting records in each of the past five years. It is also a growing market for US beef and lamb. New trade and product opportunities continue to emerge, which is why USMEF launched the first symposium in 2024, rather than rely on traditional industry trade shows.

“We decided to create our own trade event. This way, if potential buyers are at the symposium, it's because we invited them. We know the kind of company they are and the amount of product that they're buying,” says Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF regional director for Mexico and Central America. “Participating exporters also have their product showcased and can meet buyers from all over the country: Chihuahua, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Mexicali, Cancun, Veracruz and Monterrey.”

The US Red Meat Symposium was made possible with support from USDA, the National Pork Board, the Beef Checkoff Program and Nebraska Beef Council.

Source: US Meat Export Federation