U.S. pork exports to Central America were outstanding last year and the momentum has continued in 2024. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in the region, explains that consumer education workshops, funded through support from USDA and the National Pork Board, are valuable in showing consumers the quality and versatility of U.S. pork.
Ruano notes that the Girls Can Grill series of workshops showed targeted consumers and influencers how to properly prepare U.S. pork cuts – especially the loin and tenderloin – and avoid overcooking. A successor campaign, titled Inspire Us, has a similar focus but examines alternative cooking methods in addition to grilling.
In 2023, pork exports to Central America climbed 20% year-over-year to a record $405.7 million. Export volume was the second largest on record at 137,500 metric tons, up 15% from 2022. Through February 2024, exports to the region jumped 17% from a year ago to more than 24,000 metric tons, while value soared 26% to $72.4 million.
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