A group of producers of Kobe beef said it will start exporting the delicacy to the United States on Thursday, the first time the product has ever been exported to a destination outside Asia.
A total of around 170 kg of fillet, loin and other parts from five cows will be shipped from a meat vendor in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and delivered to two steakhouses in San Francisco, the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association said Monday.
Kobe beef comes from the Tajima breed of cattle raised under special conditions in Hyogo Prefecture. The beef is known for its tenderness and high degree of fat marbling.
"We think people in a major meat-consuming country like the United States will also have an interest in (Kobe beef)," an association official said.
Exports of Kobe beef began this year and about 10 tons has been exported to Macau and Hong Kong.