USMEF Is Trying To Adapt To Second COVID Wave In South Korea

A new round of COVID-19 restrictions in South Korea’s food service sector has created challenges for U.S. beef producers in one of its largest markets. The South Korean government has heightened social distancing requirement in the greater Seoul area, including restrictions on food and beverage providers, and a suspension of large gatherings.

U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom said American producers saw some good momentum after South Korea’s first bought with COVID-19, but a second wave of the virus has in many ways taken the nation back to square one.

“Catering in particular, and the real downer here is we had a backlog of weddings that couldn’t happen because there wasn’t catering or buffets available at these five-star hotels in June and July we saw a lot of activity in this sector.  Unfortunately, that’s probably going to come to a close temporarily.”

But there are some positives to report.

“We have made a lot of advancements since the initial outbreak within the food service sector on delivery and e-commerce and digital platforms.  So, while the in restaurant dining is going to take a back seat for a while we still have pretty robust platforms for restaurant delivery that will still be going strong.”

Halstrom added momentum reported earlier in the year at the retail level will probably get a shot in the arm as more Korean customers stay home to eat.

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