The festival is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and partners across the United States including the U.S. Meat Export Council, the U.S. Chicken and Egg Export Council, the U.S. Potato Association, the U.S. Blueberry Association, the U.S. Raisin Association, the Washington State Apple Council, the California Dairy Council, the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Association, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and the California Fresh Fruit Association. The festival will feature speeches by U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, U.S. Undersecretary of Agriculture Alexis Taylor, and cooking demonstrations.
"One year ago, on September 10, 2023, the United States and Vietnam announced the elevation of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The close cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in agricultural trade is once again a testament to the commitment of both countries to create a better future for our peoples, the region, and the world," said US Ambassador Marc Knapper. "This is my third year attending the American Delicacies BBQ Festival, an initiative of the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Hanoi. The festival has become an annual media and talk-about event in Hanoi."
Deputy Secretary Alexis Taylor and representatives from nine U.S. state departments of agriculture
US-Vietnam agricultural trade has grown strongly over the past five years. Vietnam is the tenth largest importer of US agricultural products, while the United States is the largest importer of Vietnamese agricultural products.
Deputy Minister Alexis Taylor shared: "This is a special opportunity for food lovers in Hanoi to enjoy and learn about American ingredients, the freshness, health benefits, superior quality and versatility in the application of American agricultural products. This year, the Festival takes place concurrently with the visit of the US Agricultural Trade Delegation to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The trade delegation has more than 100 members, including 50 representatives of 35 US businesses, representatives of nine Departments of Agriculture in nine states, and representatives from 21 Agricultural Industry Associations under the US Department of Agriculture."
Under Secretary for Trade and Agriculture Alexis Taylor (in blue) speaks
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an American BBQ with more than 30 dishes made from 24 American ingredients including pork, Nebraska beef, chicken, seafood, potatoes, California cheese, Washington apples, blueberries, raisins, tofu and cooking oil made from American soybeans, American peaches and nectarines and many other ingredients. The dinner buffet menu is specially designed and prepared by the chefs of MOSAICO restaurant, five-star Melia Hanoi hotel. The festival runs from now until September 14, 2024.
Mr. Santiago Cabre, General Manager of Melia Hanoi Hotel said: "We are pleased and honored to cooperate with the Agricultural Affairs Department, US Embassy in Hanoi, to co-organize the 2024 American BBQ Festival. I am very excited to share the story of the American BBQ tradition and take food lovers in Vietnam on a culinary journey with many creative dishes using ingredients provided by the Agricultural Industry Associations of the US Department of Agriculture."
