Meet Our Partners
The Japanese Wagyu Marketing Partners, LLC (JWP) is a United States based team of experts working with Japanese Government organizations, including J-LEC and JETRO, and certified importers to advance the awareness, distribution, and consumption of authentic, 100% Genuine Japanese Wagyu beef in the United States.
Philip Seng
JWP Partner
Philip is a leading expert on Japan’s intricate distribution system and played a pivotal role in liberalizing the Japanese market as well as markets worldwide.
As President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) for nearly 30 years, he led operations in over 100 countries. He directed USMEF’s strategies in international programs, research, technical services, industry relations, and communications. Under Seng’s leadership, USMEF was recognized by the Morse target as the most influential agricultural organization in Washington, D.C. on Japan.
For over 40 years, Seng has been a leading advocate for international agricultural trade. He served four terms as President of the International Meat Secretariat and headed the Japan-American Society in Colorado. In 2009, he was inducted into the first class of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame. In 2020, Seng received the Order of the Rising Sun Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his significant contributions to trade and fostering Japan-U.S. relations.
Tom Lipetzky
JWP Partner
With nearly 40 years in agricultural trade, marketing, and policy, Tom has worked to expand global markets for farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. He has held key roles with the Colorado and North Dakota agriculture departments, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and industry groups like the U.S. Meat Export Federation, Potatoes USA, and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Tom now leads AGgressive Marketing Solutions, advising on marketing, leadership, and policy. He contributes to Farm Journal’s Ag Economist’s Monthly Monitor, and advises Colorado’s Governor’s Office on agricultural economic trends.
In 2012, Tom led a campaign to restore trust in Rocky Ford cantaloupe after a food safety crisis. His efforts earned the Marketing Excellence Award from North American Agricultural Marketing Officials. Raised on a grain and livestock farm in North Dakota, Tom stays connected to production agriculture through partnerships with young producers leasing his family’s land.
John Recca
JWP Partner
John brings extensive expertise to JWP, drawing on his diverse experience in distributor development, sales management and brand marketing for Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods companies.
Throughout his corporate career, he was instrumental in creating, launching, and promoting numerous brands across the wine, beer, and distilled spirits sectors, collaborating with industry leaders such as Gallo Family Wines, Coors Brewing Company, and Hiram Walker/Allied-Domecq. At Gallo, John helped establish and lead the winery’s foodservice sales division. While at Hiram Walker, he managed marketing for several global brands, including Beefeater Gin and Canadian Club Whisky, a $200 million revenue brand.
He is the owner of Brandwerks Group, where he has created numerous regional and national CPG brands. Originally from Modesto in California’s Central Valley, John grew up immersed in agriculture, assisting his family with walnut and wine grape farming.
The JWP Center of Excellence
JWP’s Center of Excellence provides expert technical assistance to support importers with their market development efforts. Our team of specialists and partner organizations offer personalized guidance, educational resources and solutions tailored to address specific challenges importers encounter.
Colorado State University, College of Animal Sciences
The Department of Animal Sciences delivers a science-based research and education program that supports the needs and interests of communities throughout Colorado, and around the world, including investigating genetically important elements of large animal health and performance. The college engages in research involving advancements in livestock management and production, genetics, animal welfare, developing best practices in husbandry and training, and food production and safety.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) engages state departments of agriculture to strengthen U.S. agriculture and allied industries through policy, partnerships and public outreach. NASDA members champion U.S. farmers, ranchers and food producers by bridging the gap between the farm and policy, representing the interests of everyone in the food supply chain and opening doors to new markets.
Meat Importers Council of America (MICA)
The Meat Importers Council of America (MICA) is dedicated to promoting and facilitating the trade of wholesome imported meat and meat products to the United States. Serving as a clearinghouse for information, industry contacts, and organized activities, MICA plays a pivotal role in supporting the evolving needs of global marketing channels that deliver imported meat from offshore farms and ranches to consumers in the United States.
Where Food Comes From
Where Food Comes From is an independent, third-party food verification company focused on verifying how food is grown and raised and helping producers communicate those practices to consumers through certification, labeling, and technology solutions. The company provides verification services to support food, agriculture, livestock, and sustainability claims. Through its Passport Traceability platform, the company helps food producers and supply-chain participants track products and animals back to their source of origin, supporting identity preservation and program compliance.