By Belize Live News Staff: As Belize prepares for the National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS), one of its most anticipated vendors, Running W Brand Meats, has announced it will not participate due to a national shortage of live pigs.
The shortage has raised broader concerns about the country’s pork supply chain, which industry insiders say is being strained by a combination of rising local demand, increased export activity, and production challenges. Escandar Bedran, Director of Running W Brand, explained that the company has been facing difficulties sourcing enough pigs to meet its regular retail needs, let alone supply large quantities for an event like NATS.
“We’ve gone from sending out trucks four or five days a week to just two or three,” Bedran said. “There simply isn’t enough product available to participate in the trade show this year.”
The company says the issue has been ongoing since late 2024, and they have made multiple inquiries to authorities about the effects of pig exports on domestic availability. While exports are not new to Belize’s agriculture sector, some stakeholders believe more attention is needed to ensure balance between foreign trade and national food security.
Running W emphasized that their concern is not with exports in principle, but with maintaining enough supply to meet the needs of Belizean consumers and businesses. “We don’t want to stop progress or trade,” Bedran said, “but we do believe that feeding our country should be a priority.”
Meanwhile, chefs and restaurant owners have also expressed concern, noting the rising cost and scarcity of pork in recent weeks. Popular Belizean chef Sean Kuylen pointed out the impact shortages can have on both culinary tourism and everyday dining. “When local producers can’t supply pork, it affects our menus, our events, and the overall dining experience,” he said.
The Ministry of Agriculture has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.
