Bangladesh is missing out on a significant opportunity in the international omasum trade, despite rising global demand and consistent export activity. Industry experts estimate the global market for omasum the third stomach of cattle used in soups and traditional dishes is worth over $30 million annually. Despite its potential, Bangladesh only makes use of a small part of it. Every month, around 60,000 to 70,000 pieces of processed omasum are exported from Chattogram to destinations such as China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Thailand. These exports bring in roughly Tk 300 crore in annual foreign exchange, according to industry insiders. While these figures suggest a strong presence, sector representatives argue that Bangladesh’s full capacity remains far from realized. The omasum is typically collected from urban slaughterhouses, processed with salt, and preserved in cold storage before shipment. However, only about 50% of total available omasum is collected during regular months. During Eid-ul-Azha, when slaughter rates increase dramatically, only 10% of available omasum is processed for export, leaving the rest to go to waste due to insufficient logistics and awareness. Local sellers purchase raw omasum for Tk 400–450 per kilogram, and once it is processed, it is sold for Tk 550–650 per kilogram. Exporters then sell it abroad for $6,000 to $7,000 per tonne, generating significant margins and foreign exchange. Despite this potential, exporters face several challenges. The main issues include a lack of collection networks in rural areas, insufficient cold chain infrastructure, and limited government support. According to the president of the Chittagong Omasum Storekeepers Cooperative, a small cash incentive or export subsidy could encourage broader participation and improve export volume. Currently, about 40 registered exporters operate from around 50 warehouses in the Chattogram region, employing nearly 5,000 workers. In total, an estimated 20,000 people across the country are directly or indirectly involved in the omasum export supply chain. Still, a significant volume of omasum is lost each year due to poor disposal practices or lack of storage. Exporters warn that without targeted investment and better coordination, Bangladesh will continue to fall short of its true export capacity. Way Forward – Improve rural collection with stronger supply chain support. Put money into cold storage facilities to keep the quality high. Introduce export incentives to encourage growth. Expand markets beyond East Asia to Europe and the Middle East. With strategic planning and infrastructure upgrades, Bangladesh has the opportunity to turn a meat by-product into a multi-million-dollar export success.
