Meat Boutiques, Rising Tourism Help Drive Central America’s Growing Demand for U.S. Beef

Hear/Download the Audio Report HERE.

After a record performance in 2024, U.S. beef exports to Central America are reaching new heights again this year. In the attached audio report, USMEF regional representative Lucia Ruano says Central American consumers have a growing appetite for higher-end beef cuts sold at meat boutiques. USMEF helps promote these sales through support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program.

Demand for U.S. beef is also expanding in the region's restaurant and hospitality sectors, driven in part by a boom in tourism. Ruano, who is based in Guatemala City, explains that growth has been especially strong in areas not previously well-known as tourist destinations, such as El Salvador and Guatemala.

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.

TRANSCRIPT