Argentine beef producers deepen China market push

The "Argentina Grain Fed Beef Day" summit was held at the embassy of Argentina in China in Beijing on May 15, bringing together nearly 150 representatives from the restaurant, food and supply chain sectors to explore opportunities for Argentine grain-fed beef in the Chinese market.

Marcelo Gabriel Suarez Salvia, Argentina's ambassador to China, said the embassy would continue supporting agricultural and trade cooperation between the two countries while helping promote Argentine beef in China.

Yu Lu, vice-president of the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products, said China imported 140,000 metric tons of beef from Argentina in the first quarter of 2026, worth $620 million, reflecting steadily growing demand for Argentine beef.

Sun Yongli, chairman of Beijing Hopewise International Trading Co Ltd, said the company has expanded promotion of Argentine grain-fed beef since 2023 through a strategic partnership with Argentine producer Rioplatense.

The summit's main product presentation was delivered by Juan Ignacio Bisso, commercial director of Rioplatense. He introduced the company's production system and product portfolio, noting that the family-owned processor, with more than 50 years of history, accounts for roughly 10 percent of Argentina's total beef exports.

Bisso said the company operates automated processing lines capable of handling up to 2,000 head of cattle per day, with monthly meat production exceeding 10,000 tons. The company also manages an integrated supply chain, including more than 160,000 Angus cattle. He added that the company won a gold medal at the 2024 World Steak Challenge.

Guests sampled a range of Argentine grain-fed beef cuts prepared as steak, hotpot and Japanese-style yakiniku, highlighting different textures and flavor profiles across cooking styles.

Organizers said the summit aimed to strengthen exchanges between the Chinese and Argentine food industries while creating new opportunities for Argentine grain-fed beef in the Chinese market.