U.S. red meat exporters will meet and network with importers from South Africa this week during the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) first South Africa Seminar and Buyers Reception, scheduled for Aug. 18 in Johannesburg. Dan Halstrom, USMEF senior vice president for marketing said the showcase of U.S. beef and pork to South African customers comes at an opportune time, as earlier this year South Africa reopened to U.S. beef for the first time since 2003 and lifted some restrictions on U.S. pork.

The USMEF event, which is funded through support from the Pork Checkoff, the Beef Checkoff Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Market Access Program, will offer an opportunity for U.S. exporters to build relationships with South African buyers and help reacquaint them with high-quality U.S. pork and beef.

The interest level among buyers in the region is very high, according to Halstrom, who noted that USMEF will also lead a tour of the Johannesburg area the day before the showcase to explore the city’s modern retail and traditional wholesale markets.