The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has expanded its collaboration with the food service and meat industries in South Korea, coinciding with the opening of the domestic market for US beef products.
On October 28, the USMEF announced that it held the '2026 USMEF Partners Day' at the Bonelli Garden in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to commemorate its 50th anniversary and the 35th anniversary of its Korean branch. The event was attended by over 450 representatives from the domestic meat import, distribution, and food service sectors.
Kelly Stang, Agricultural Attaché at the US Embassy in South Korea, stated in her speech, "Over the past 50 years, the US Meat Export Federation has connected US producers and exporters with partners in Korea's meat and food service industries, contributing to the development of US-Korea agricultural cooperation."
She emphasized, "This year, the opening of the Korean market to US beef products and the first shipment of US ground beef to Korea are significant achievements resulting from close collaboration between our governments and industries."
In April, South Korea partially lifted import restrictions on US beef products. As a result, products derived from cattle under 30 months of age can now be imported if they meet specified quarantine and production conditions. This marks an expansion of the domestic utilization of US beef into processed food categories.
The event also showcased dining menus featuring US meat. Frank Burger introduced a burger made with newly imported US ground beef. Texas Roadhouse offered steaks and ribs, while Locos Barbecue served smoked brisket and spare ribs.
Various cuts of US beef, including flank steak, short rib, and tenderloin, were featured in the menus. Korean dishes such as boiled pork and meat pancakes were also presented to highlight the potential for US meat in the domestic food service market.
The federation plans to focus on enhancing consumer preferences based on its established position in the imported meat market.
Park Jun-il, head of the USMEF's Korean branch, remarked, "US beef is not only trusted for its safety but is also recognized for its superior quality. US pork has established itself as a product chosen by consumers based on their preferences, rather than merely a substitute for domestic meat. Through our recently launched 'US Premier' brand, we aim to communicate the unique value of US meat and further enhance consumer preferences."
Yang Ji-hye, USMEF Vice President for the Asia-Pacific region, stated, "Building on the trust and cooperation developed over the past half-century, we will continue to discover new values in US meat and create greater growth opportunities with our partners."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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