Wagyu Beef Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

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

March 2025

Tesco introduced a new selection of Finest Wagyu steaks in over 100 stores, in response to rising demand for premium British Wagyu beef. Tesco's four skilfully selected slices make high-quality Wagyu more accessible to European customers. This launch reflects mainstream retail’s increasing commitment to premiumisation, creating wider B2B procurement opportunities for British Wagyu suppliers targeting European consumer bases.

March 2025

Jack's Creek acquired its first exclusive United Kingdom retail listing through Ocado Retail and launched the new Wagyu X range which includes four highly marbled grain-fed Wagyu products: Jack's Creek Wagyu X Sirloin, Jack's Creek Wagyu X Ribeye, Jack's Creek Wagyu X Fillet, and Jack's Creek Wagyu X Rump. This range showcases the expanding role of e-grocery in distributing high-grade, grain-fed Wagyu, unlocking new retail pipelines for Australian exporters in the United Kingdom.

September 2024

Waitrose introduced five own-label British Wagyu beef products as part of its expanding portfolio. All Waitrose wagyu beef is graded at least 6 on the BMS--the optimal level to ensure that customers receive the highest quality Wagyu at home. This launch underscores rising retailer focus on marbling standards (BMS 6+), which pushes producers to scale quality-driven supply with consistent carcass grading.

July 2024

Abatti Ranch developed a new line of Wagyu beef that offers product excellence based on years of industry experience, as well as varied brand capabilities. Abatti cattle are fed grain for at least 550 days and grown without the use of hormones. This development represents a growing demand for provenance-led, long-fed Wagyu in export markets, strengthening premium positioning for North American suppliers in fine dining and retail channels.

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.vn 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 Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Global Wagyu Beef Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Fullblood
• Purebred
• Crossbred

Key Insight: Fullblood Wagyu has primarily accelerated the market revenue growth due to luxury-driven demand. Its scarcity and genetic purity align well with fine dining sector and export-driven economies like in United States and Europe. With Japan’s introduction of a national Wagyu Genetic Resource Bank in 2024, the preservation and controlled export of fullblood genetics are being tightly managed, ensuring long-term Wagyu beef market value. Buyers, particularly in Korea and UAE, have increasingly demanded DNA traceability, adding pressure on suppliers to adopt advanced tracking tools.

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Foodservice
• Offline Retail
• Online Retail

Key Insight: Foodservice dominates the global industry due to high-volume and repeat orders. Restaurants typically order premium cuts in bulk and expect tailored solutions, such as specific marbling grades and aging preferences. Suppliers have responded to this emerging trend with chef liaison teams and virtual butcher consultations, helping foodservice operators optimize menu profitability.

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Key Insight: Asia Pacific remains the largest Wagyu beef industry, by revenue, primarily due to its cultural ties, government incentives, and integrated supply chains. Japanese companies like Kagoshima and Miyazaki are rapidly investing on Wagyu-specific export goals, offering incentives for overseas partnerships. Australia’s Wagyu Association is collaborating with Chinese importers to design bespoke cuts. The region’s ability to breed, process, and distribute Wagyu with precision and scalability boosts market growth.

Global Wagyu Beef Market Share

By Type, Fullblood Beef Accounted for the Dominant Share of the Market

Fullblood Wagyu, boasting 100% Japanese genetics, occupies the majority of the global Wagyu beef market revenue share due to its unmatched marbling and superior taste profile. Japan exports fullblood beef to the United States and Hong Kong, where demand for authenticity is surging. The fullblood variant is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. Australian producers like Mayura Station are expanding fullblood herds, supported by grants under the National Livestock Genetics Consortium. With traceable bloodlines and consistent grading (A4, A5), fullblood Wagyu has been widely consumed across Michelin-starred kitchens and luxury retailers.

Crossbred Wagyu, with typically 50-75% Wagyu genetics, has emerged to be the fastest-growing category due to its balance between affordability and quality. The growing crossbred wagyu beef consumption is driven by the increased middle-class spending in Malaysia and Vietnam. Producers leverage faster growth rates and lower input costs, making it appealing for upscale, however, non-ultra-premium foodservice chains. Enhanced feeding programmes and selective breeding are improving marbling scores, helping these beef variants close the gap with purebred cuts while offering scalability.

By Distribution Channel, Foodservice Accounted for the Dominant Share of the Market

As per the Wagyu beef market report, foodservice distribution channel dominates the industry as restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses increasingly incorporate this beef variant into gourmet menus. Hotels in Dubai and Singapore now serve Wagyu-centric tasting experiences, targeting affluent tourists. Japanese authorities launched “Taste Japan” campaign promoting Wagyu in five-star restaurants across the Europe. Such exposure fuels repeat B2B orders and exclusive contracts. Producers are responding to this trend by creating chef-exclusive lines and bulk packaging to suit restaurant operations, bolstering foodservice dominance.

Online retail is rapidly contributing to the Wagyu beef demand forecast. In 2023, direct-to-consumer Wagyu sales in the United States surged by a significant extent, fuelled by niche platforms like Crowd Cow and Snake River Farms. These sellers offer flash-frozen, premium cuts backed by blockchain-certified origin stories, catering to discerning, quality-focused consumers. As per industry reports, in Europe, e-commerce imports of Wagyu were driven by rising demand from gourmet buyers. Government-backed platforms such as Japan’s JETRO portal are also streamlining international digital transactions. Enabled by advanced Wagyu beef, online retail has become a preferred channel for both bulk buyers and niche distributors.

Global Wagyu Beef Market Regional Analysis

By Region, 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.

The North American Wagyu beef industry accounts for a sizable share of the global market, due to rising consumption and adoption of its products by high- and middle-income households. Technological advancements, strategic marketing, and increased awareness of the benefits of eating wagyu beef are some of the key propelling factors of the industry.

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.