After a record performance in 2024, U.S. beef exports to Central America are reaching new heights again this year.
With “meat boutiques” becoming more popular across Central America, consumers have access to higher-end cuts of U.S. beef. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) regional representative, says sales have been promoted through support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program.
“We have a variety of this type of stores that have become very trendy and very convenient for consumers,” Ruano says.
Commercial partners are supported in a variety of ways in order to grow their businesses. This includes seminars about the industry and the cuts of meat being promoted, master classes for demonstrating preparation techniques sponsoring barbecue competitions and festivals, she adds.
“We also have trade teams where we bring our commercial partners to the U.S. to learn first-hand from the industry,” Ruano explains. “And of course, we have social media that is a very important tool for us.”
Through April, beef exports to Central America increased 9% from a year ago in volume (8,131 metric tons), while value soared 30% to more than $70 million. Tourism growth in new areas like El Salvador and Guatemala have contributed to the increased demand.
According to Ruano, the Central America region received 11% more visitors in 2024 than 2023. El Salvador received 3.9 million visitors, which is a historic record.
“El Salvador has become a very secure country now, and they have been doing a lot of promotion of the beaches that they have,” Ruano says. “International tourism is getting to know this country.”
While Costa Rica has always been the first country in tourism for Central America, it was surpassed by El Salvador and Guatemala for the first time.
“There is a boom in tourism here, and governments are investing to meet the growing demand,” Ruano adds. (https://www.drovers.com/news/industry/tourism-driving-central-american-demand-u-s-beef)
