(MENAFN- GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Key opportunities in the global Wagyu beef market include rising demand for premium, traceable meats in upscale settings across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Innovations in AI breeding, blockchain traceability, and hybrid meats bolster competitiveness. Export incentives and increased demand in emerging markets further drive growth.Dublin, Oct. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Wagyu Beef Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets's offering.
The global Wagyu beef market was valued at USD 25.50 Billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.70% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. Rising demand for traceable, hormone-free premium meat in upscale hospitality chains is positioning Wagyu as a key product in luxury menus across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. In turn, the market is expected to reach a value of USD 48.77 Billion by 2034.
![]()
Factors like premiumization trends, evolving protein demands, and robust government-supported food safety initiatives have significantly propelled the market growth. As of 2024, Japan exported over 282 tons of Wagyu beef, with the United States, Hong Kong, and Australia among its largest buyers. In response, countries like Australia and the United States have aggressively ramped up domestic production. As per the Wagyu beef market analysis, Australian Wagyu beef exports jumped 12% in 2023, fuelled by government grants under the AgriFutures Emerging Industries programme aimed at improving genetic breeding technologies.
The market growth depends on the growing global demand for gourmet delicacies. Customers pay a premium for Wagyu's incomparable flavour, softness, and excellent marbling properties. This growing preference for high-quality, opulent dining experiences has resulted in the product's growing acceptance among upscale hotels, fine dining chains, and high-end retailers, over the forecast period. In Australia, Wagyu cattle herd numbers crossed 300,000 in 2023, while exports from the United States grew by 9% year-over-year due to increasing demand from affluent Asian markets.
Moreover, traceability technologies are gaining momentum, accelerating the overall Wagyu beef market development. In March 2024, Japan's National Livestock Breeding Center launched a blockchain-based ID system for Wagyu cattle, which guarantees authenticity and enhances export credibility. This kind of innovation resonates with B2B buyers keen on transparency and supply chain accountability. In addition, key players are increasingly investing in digital direct-to-chef models, AI-powered breeding, and lab-cultivated Wagyu fat for enhanced flavour replication.
Investments are also widening the scope of Wagyu beef market expansion. Japanese firm ZEN-NOH invested USD 40 million in a new processing plant in California in 2024 to localize Wagyu processing and distribution. Simultaneously, the EU funded a USD 15 million initiative aimed at enhancing protein production capacity in Germany and France. These developments are expected to streamline logistics, improve product availability, and help producers cater better to evolving B2B demand patterns across global gourmet and hospitality sectors.
Key Trends and Recent Developments
AI-Driven Cattle Breeding Systems
The integration of AI in Wagyu cattle breeding is disrupting the traditional supply chain, boosting further Wagyu beef market opportunities. According to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, farms using AI-assisted genetics have reported a 15% increase in yield grades. These advancements reduce genetic bottlenecks and align production with export demand, providing a competitive edge. For B2B buyers, this trend offers consistency in quality and better ROI. Companies across Australia and the United States are now testing similar systems to boost international competitiveness.
Blockchain for Meat Authentication
Blockchain is redefining the Wagyu beef market dynamics. For example, Vietnam rolled out a nation-wide blockchain traceability framework for Wagyu in Japan, enabling buyers to verify lineage, feed inputs, and slaughter conditions with a QR scan. This technological advancement addresses rising concerns over food fraud, where mislabelled meat can severely undermine brand credibility. For example, in 2023, Vietnam Blockchain Corporation (VBC) implemented a blockchain-based traceability system for Wagyu beef in Japan. This initiative, part of the Agridential project, aimed to enhance transparency in the beef supply chain by allowing consumers to verify product authenticity through QR codes. For B2B distributors and gourmet buyers, such transparency is becoming a deciding factor for procurement and menu pricing strategies.
Lab-Cultivated Wagyu Fat Integration
Hybrid meats are making inroads into luxury markets, appealing to affluent consumers seeking sustainable yet premium protein alternatives, accelerating the Wagyu beef demand. These hybrid products, which blend Wagyu genetics with other premium breeds, are designed to deliver the signature marbling and tenderness of Wagyu while enhancing yield, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. In high-end markets like Singapore and the UAE, chefs and distributors are embracing hybrid Wagyu for its versatility and culinary appeal. This trend is elevating consumer experience and also allowing producers to scale Wagyu offerings without compromising on quality.
Premiumization of Wagyu Beef Products
The premiumization trend in the Wagyu beef market is reshaping the way high-value protein is marketed and consumed across B2B sectors. Luxury-focused innovations are at the forefront of this movement. For instance, Japanese A5-grade Wagyu, often reserved for ultra-fine dining, is now being curated into branded, traceable packages with blockchain-backed origin tracking, especially for export to Europe and North America. Moreover, companies are introducing value-added Wagyu formats like dry-aged cuts, Wagyu charcuterie, and smoked brisket kits aimed at gourmet retailers and boutique butchers.
Export-Driven Government Incentives
Several governments now see Wagyu as a cultural export and economic asset. Japan's 2024 policy update under the Export Expansion Strategy allocated JPY 3.2 billion to support overseas promotions and logistics subsidies for meat exporters. Meanwhile, Australia's AgriFutures programme funds for genetic innovation and international trade shows further contributed to expanding the global footprint. The United States included Wagyu beef in its Export Credit Guarantee Program, enabling exporters to explore emerging markets like Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.
Global Wagyu Beef Market Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific Registers the Leading Position in the Market
The continued dominance of the Asia Pacific Wagyu beef market is powered by Japan and Australia. Japan's Wagyu exports hit JPY 45 billion in 2024, with South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong as top buyers. Emerging markets like Thailand and Vietnam are growing, aided by rising disposable incomes. Regional trade agreements like RCEP further ease cross-border transactions. Government-backed breeding stations in Australia and genetic R&D hubs in Japan ensure quality consistency, reinforcing APAC's stronghold in the global market.
Competitive Landscape
The Wagyu beef market players are investing in AI-enhanced breeding, blockchain for traceability, and hybrid meat technologies to distinguish their product offerings. They are employing direct-to-chef and e-commerce strategies to reduce reliance on intermediaries and personalize customer engagement. Regulatory compliance and global certifications have become key concerns especially as more buyers demand verifiable genetics and sustainable practices.
Most of the Wagyu beef companies find opportunities in emerging Asian and Middle Eastern markets, where luxury dining trend is growing fast. Additionally, collaborations with culinary schools and digital food influencers are opening up new revenue streams. Brands are also leveraging data analytics to track consumer behaviour, optimize distribution routes, and forecast demand spikes during festive or event-driven seasons.
Ito Ranch Ltd
Established in 1953, headquartered in Japan, Ito Ranch Ltd. is a heritage Wagyu producer known for its hand-reared cattle and proprietary feed formulas. The company focuses on ultra-premium A5 beef, with recent exports to Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Dubai.
Blackmore Wagyu
Founded in 1988, based in Australia, Blackmore Wagyu specialises in Fullblood Wagyu. The company is popular for its closed-loop supply chain and sustainability practices, earning a carbon-neutral certification.
Robbins Island Wagyu
Robbins Island Wagyu, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Australia, runs a unique saltwater-finished Wagyu programme. Their cattle are rotated seasonally across coastal pastures, which boosts both marbling quality and animal wellbeing. The brand caters to top-tier gourmet steakhouses in markets like Tokyo and New York.
Mayura Station
Mayura Station, founded in 1845 and headquartered in South Australia, is known for its chocolate-fed Wagyu line. The company has expanded to direct B2B e-commerce channels and won accolades in global meat competitions.
Other key players in the market are Starzen Co., Ltd., ITOHAM YONEKYU HOLDINGS INC., Australian agricultural company limited, Asia International Inc., AB to C, AB to C, LLC, and Lone Mountain Wagyu, LLC, among others.
Key Highlights of the Global Wagyu Beef Market Report:
Historical performance and accurate forecasts through 2034, enabling strategic planning for premium meat procurement and cross-border distribution. Insights into product innovations like lab-grown Wagyu prototypes, dry-ageing techniques, and DNA-based cattle verification systems. In-depth competitive landscape profiling Japanese A5 breeders, Australian crossbred producers, and regional value-added meat processors. Regional analysis identifying Dubai, Singapore, and London as fast-expanding demand centres driven by HORECA, luxury catering, and high-end retail. Investment-focused outlook supported by market data, highlighting expanding feedlot capacities, vertical farm collaborations, and halal-certified Wagyu export growth.
Key Attributes:
CONTACT:
CONTACT:
Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager...
For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470
For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Comments
No comment