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Pork checkoff investments helping strengthen market development in Japan

The National Pork Board continues to invest in market development through its partnership with the US Meat Export Federation to strengthen global export demand.

Minnesota pig farmer and USMEF board member Gordon Spronk says Japan’s long-term relationship with NPB has helped establish the country as a reliable customer. 

“They like our U.S. quality,” he says. “There’s challenges with competition and there’s challenges with the exchange rate, but we remain focused on the consumer and the customer.”

Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development, says checkoff investments are helping support consumer demand.

“We’re leaning into some food service opportunities and some convenience opportunities,” he says. “We’re trying to make sure pork continues to show up well. These international markets do such a great job to balance and bring value to the entire pork carcass.”

Both say maintaining and continuing to build strong export demand will be critical to expanding new markets for U.S. pork.

Japan is the second largest export destination for the U.S. pork industry.

AUDIO: Andy Tauer and Gordon Spronk