US pork processor Seaboard Foods has expanded its global presence by opening its first overseas sales office in Japan.

The new Japanese office, named Seaboard Foods of Japan, will focus on “building relationships with local customers, understanding the unique needs of the Japanese market and ensuring the delivery of high-quality pork products that meet those needs”, according to a statement.

Aaron Hunerdosse, Seaboard Foods vice president of international sales, said: “This office is a testament to our commitment to meet the growing demand for our high-quality pork products in international markets. We believe that having a direct presence in Japan will allow us to better serve our customers and strengthen our position in the global market.”

Seaboard Foods has been exporting pork products to Japan for around 28 years, when it opened its first processing plant in Guymon, Oklahoma.

The Japanese office, located in Tokyo, will be headed by Charlie Yoshinaga, Seaboard Foods’ international field sales manager. He joined Seaboard last year from Japanese seafood giant Maruha Nichiro.

Yoshinaga said: “Our longstanding relationships with our Japanese customers have paved the way for our products to be found on the shelves of Japanese supermarkets, food service establishments and butcher shops across the nation.

“The Japanese marketplace seeks excellence, demanding products crafted under strict management and fueled by continuous innovation. With unwavering commitment, we pledge to deliver top-quality pork to our valued customers in Japan and throughout the world.”

Just Food has contacted the pork processor for further details.

Seaboard Foods employs around 5,400 people across five US states and is part of the Seaboard Corp., an international agribusiness and transportation company engaged in pork production and processing, and cargo shipping.

The company’s brands include Prairie Fresh, Daily’s Premium Meats, Seaboard Farms and St. Joe Pork.

A bilateral trade agreement between the US and Japan came into force in 2020. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, the US is the largest exporter of pork to Japan, with Canada in second. Japan produces around half the pork it consumers, the USDA says.