• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

DOING IT THE HARD WAY.

HAY MAKER

Well-known member
Poll: Japanese Consumers Warming To U.S. Beef

Today 10/2/2006 7:05:00 AM


Poll: Japanese Consumers Warming To U.S. Beef

A national study of Japanese consumers by Tokyo-based Macromill for the U.S. Meat Export Federation showed that 52 percent agree with the government's decision to resume imports of U.S. beef, and roughly the same number were either positive or neutral about ordering that beef in restaurants or grocery stores.

Another 25 percent said they would probably buy U.S. beef if they saw friends and neighbors doing so.

"That means we're close to having 75 percent of Japanese consumers back," says Phil Seng, chief executive, USMEF. "Frankly, that's roughly the same percentage as we had before the market was closed. There has always been an element that feels that Japanese goods are better, and wouldn't buy imports."

Seng, who returned Thursday night from a lengthy visit to Japan, said that public opinion is changing rapidly, with favorable stories in the press and on television, and the vast majority of the trade concerned only about price and availability, not sales potential. "They were overwhelmingly positive, but many don't want to go back into U.S. beef until the supply is better."

The United States is still pushing for acceptance of beef from cattle over the age of 20 months and wants all age restrictions lifted eventually, but with a new cabinet in place, it is letting the situation cool off for a while. "Everyone is exhausted with BSE, and while we want talks to resume soon, everyone would prefer they not take place in the press," Seng says. Look for low-key discussions later in the fall.

Seng has known new Agriculture Secretary Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka for several years, and calls him a "more balanced" minister than some of his predecessors. In a speech delivered after he was named this week, Matsuoka set three priorities, which include developing a high-value image for Japanese exports, concentrating on bio-energy and other initiatives to produce a "beautiful Japan," and most important from a U.S. beef perspective, developing a more "give-and-take" strategy with trade partners. "He's aware that Japan has not been as good at the "give" part in the past," Seng told Meatingplace.com.
 
Top