By Jamie Martin
Two leading ramen chains in Japan are now featuring underutilized U.S. pork cuts in their dishes, creating new demand for American pork thanks to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). This effort was supported by the USDA and the National Pork Board.
Ramen Kagetsu, a chain with 250 locations, needed a more affordable alternative to European sheet belly for a Cantonese-style pork dish.
Working closely with USMEF Japan staff, the chain adopted U.S. pork false lean, a muscle located in the fat above the shoulder end of the loin. Ramen Kagetsu now expects to use 40 metric tons of this cut monthly.
Meanwhile, Kairikiya, with 160 restaurants, replaced Mexican picnic cuts with U.S. pork cushion meat, a cut from the pork shoulder.
The chain estimates annual demand will exceed 1,000 metric tons, marking a significant gain for U.S. pork in Japan’s competitive food market.
USMEF worked directly with culinary teams at both chains to ensure the new cuts delivered consistent quality. Their collaboration focused on refining cooking methods to preserve the taste and texture expected by Japanese diners.
“USMEF Japan staff worked with the foodservice retailer to test options and identify the U.S. pork false lean as a prime alternative,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF President and CEO.
These partnerships highlight how targeted marketing and collaboration can open new export opportunities for U.S. farmers by introducing lesser-used cuts to global markets.
This shift not only boosts U.S. pork sales but also promotes sustainability by reducing waste and making use of valuable yet overlooked cuts.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National