As Japan’s tourism rebounds and foodservice activity improves, opportunities are emerging for grain-fed U.S. beef and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is positioning U.S. Prime beef as a premium alternative to the country’s domestic Wagyu.
With support from U.S. beef producers participating in the Pacific Northwest Initiative, USMEF recently hosted its first-ever Prime beef seminar in Japan, targeting upscale consumers in Tokyo. The event encouraged side-by-side comparisons between highly marbled U.S. Prime beef and Wagyu. Producers from Washington highlighted feeding practices and animal welfare standards, while a leading Tokyo chef explained why American beef anchors his signature menus. Additional outreach included a USMEF barbecue for local radio listeners.
Funding support came from the Beef Checkoff Program and USDA’s Market Access Program.
