National Pork Board Examines International Marketing Opportunities

August 20, 2014 — 

The goal of a new study is to explore approaches to help U.S. pork meet growing international consumer demand.

The National Pork Board has announced a new study that will explore alternatives for promoting pork’s quality and sustainability benefits with international consumers. The study, to be conducted by SIAM Professionals, LLC will evaluate existing marketing strategies and partners to identify methods for improving pork’s position as the global meat of choice.

Funded through America’s Pork Checkoff, this project will evaluate the effectiveness of current global marketing efforts and identify potential partnerships and marketing tools for promoting U.S. pork. SIAM specializes in evaluating and developing international market opportunities for the food and agribusiness industry.

“Throughout the world, pork is the single most consumed meat. The popularity of U.S. pork is driven by its taste, versatility as a recipe and menu item, and relatively low cost,” said Chris Novak, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. “For many years, pork has been marketed globally with all other meats, and it’s our intention to determine the ideal way to market U.S. pork on an international basis. It is part of our ongoing commitment to examine all of our Pork Checkoff programs to ensure continuous improvement.”

According to Euromonitor International’s latest estimates, global pork sales are expected to grow by 12 percent in the 2013-2018 forecast period, adding 10.6 million metric tons in sales volume by 2018. Most of this increase will be seen in emerging markets, such as Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America where populations and incomes continue to grow. In the first six months of 2014, exports increased 9 percent from the same time period a year ago, according to current data from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Most of the gains are due to growth in Mexico and continued demand in Asia.

The National Pork Board is committed to addressing the international trade barriers facing the pork industry. Currently, the United States exports approximately 28 percent of the pork raised here, delivering around $70 per animal raised back to America’s pig farmers.

“In 2013, the U.S. sold pork in more than 100 countries. International markets represent a significant sales channel and, grown properly, will be critical to the success of pig farmers across the country,” Novak said. “As an industry, we must remain keenly focused on developing global markets and effectively promoting pork worldwide.”

Results of SIAM’s evaluation will be presented to Pork Checkoff’s full board of directors in spring 2015.