Cargill opens up Korean market with distribution partnership

16-Jul-2018 - Last updated on 16-Jul-2018 at 09:21 GMT

Cargill will roll out its Excel beef brand across Korea

Cargill has collaborated with a meat import distributor based in Seoul, South Korea to offer its premium US beef brand, Excel, in a concept meat store named ‘It’s Meat’.

The US firm will partner with AG Meats to roll out Excel beef across Korea’s three ‘It’s Meat’ stores.

With food safety prioritised by Cargill, the firm revealed that Excel beef undergoes a seven-step regulated production system to ensure safe handling from the feeding environment to product packaging, as well as removing micro-sized pathogens through a scientific process.

Cargill described Korea as an “important market” and the launch of Excel beef aims to tap Korean demand for safe imported beef.

“Cargill Protein is diversifying distribution channels to provide more Korean consumers access to high-quality Excel beef,” said Cargill Korea’s general manager Jin-Tae-Ha.

Meanwhile, Cargill Protein’s president of ingredients and international channels John Niemann added: “We look forward to continuing to build bridges across global markets and are committed to expanding our offerings in Korea.”

Along with the initial roll-out, AG Meats plans to open up 300 ‘It’s Meat’ stores in the next three years.

Cargill Protein will continue to supply Excel beef to all 300 stores along with marketing and support to expand domestic distribution.

Excel beef is also available to purchase at various retailers in Korea such as Costco, Lotte Mart and e-mart, as well as convenience stores.