Product Development Efforts Lead to Introduction of New U.S. Pork Cuts in Chile

Market research, product development and consumer testing lead to the introduction of two new U.S. pork products at a Chilean supermarket chain.

As part of USMEF's plan to introduce additional U.S. pork cuts into the Chilean market, a test promotion demonstrated consumer demand for two new U.S. products to a Chilean importer and one of its supermarket customers.

The positive consumer response to a thick-cut pork chop and thinly sliced pork ribs has encouraged the Tottus supemarket chain to expand its introduction of the two products to several of its nationwide outlets.

"We worked with the importer and the supermarket chain to identify new cuts that would appeal to Chilean consumers," said USMEF South America Representative Jessica Julca. "Grilling is very popular in Chile and with demand already strong for U.S. ribs, we developed a new, thinly sliced pork rib product in a smaller package."

USMEF also persuaded the importer and supermarket chain to test consumer demand for a thick cut pork chop, adds Julca. USMEF utilized a USMEF Ambassador ‒ a chef who have undergone training programs on U.S. pork and beef ‒ to conduct grilling demonstrations for consumers using a thick-cut, quality pork item in a Tottus parking lot. The thick-cut pork chop drew strong consumer interest and stocks of the pork tomahawk and thinly sliced ribs sold out during the promotion.

Depending on available supply, USMEF will conduct promotions for the two new cuts at additional outlets of the supermarket chain beginning in October.

Funding was provided by Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board and the National Pork Board.

During a test promotion for the two new cuts, the store also promoted U.S. baby-back ribs and spareribs.

USMEF conducted grilling classes for the U.S. pork tomahawk and thinly sliced, banderita-style pork ribs in the parking lot of a Tottus supermarket during a promotion this summer.

Stocks of the pork tomahawk sold out, encouraging the chain to expand its introduction of the cut to additional outlets in October.

Stocks of the thinly sliced, banderita-style pork ribs also sold out, encouraging the chain to expand its introduction of the cut to additional outlets in October.