The wagyu beef market is expected to grow from USD 5.837 billion in 2025 to USD 8.269 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 7.21%.
Wagyu is the fabled, highly marbled, extremely pricey beef from Japan that is now widely available in countries around the world such as the USA, UK, and France among others. Wagyu beef is transported with regional designations in several regions in Japan. Kobe beef, mi meat, Matsusaka beef, Sanda beef and Yonezawa beef are a few examples. Wagyu beef is high in fat content and exclusive and premium in quality which makes it more delicate and flavorful than other forms of beef.
People are ready to splurge on high-quality foods containing important nutrients as consumers are becoming more mindful of their food choices. Various health benefits associated with the consumption of wagyu beef are one of the main factors driving the growth of the global market. Due to the high price and premium quality of wagyu beef various chefs at five-star hotels and fine dining restaurants prefer the cut of the mentioned beef. As a result, the growing demand for gourmet products and the rising culture of fine dining are also supporting the growth of the global wagyu beef market.
On the other hand, the premium price tag of wagyu beef is one of the main elements impeding the growth of the global wagyu beef market during the projection period. The shift in consumer preference towards premium and exclusive food products, and rising penetration of e-commerce platforms will witness a demand for gourmet ingredients which will provide several market opportunities to the key players.
Wagyu beef's health benefits are one of the primary factors driving the growth of its market during the projection period. Research done by various health professionals has shown that wagyu beef has a greater mono-unsaturated to saturated fat ratio than other types of beef. A form of stearic acid that makes up 40 per cent of the total fat content in wagyu beef is thought to have no effect in elevating cholesterol levels. Wagyu beef with marbling has a higher nutritional value and is better for human health. Wagyu is also richer in conjugated linoleic acid, a kind of fatty acid which helps in losing weight. Due to greater amounts of linoleic acid, Wagyu beef has the greatest concentration of CLA per gramme of any diet - roughly 30 per cent more than other cattle breeds. Foods that are naturally high in CLA are less harmful to your health. As a result, are spending their money on wagyu beef which is boosting its sales.
Highly marbled Wagyu beef's distinct and buttery flavour, suppleness and texture provide for an unimaginable eating experience. Because of this, wagyu beef is making its way into the menus of upscale restaurants and gourmet chefs all across the world. Therefore growing trend of fine dining culture and the rising establishment of five-star hotels and fancy restaurants are also estimated to propel growth for the global market during the projection period.
Due to its buttery flavour and high price, wagyu beef has been revered around the world for a long time. It is considered one of the most expensive meat cuts available in the market. The reason for such a steep price range is the way cattle are reared. The secondary cuts, such as bavette or flank, may cost upwards of £25 for a single 300g steak. Prime cuts can cost up to £150 per kilo. With the high rate of inflation globally, not everyone can afford to splurge on such high meat cuts.
Asia Pacific region will hold a major amount of global market share in wagyu beef. Since the origin of beef cattle comes from Japan as result there is a high production capacity of wagyu beef in the Asia Pacific which is driving demand in this region. Rising personal income, rapid urbanization and the demand for gourmet food products are enabling people to consume such pricey meat thereby supporting the growth of the wagyu beef market in this region. The presence of several key market players such as Australian Agricultural Company Limited, and Blackmore Wagyu is also propelling demand in the Asia Pacific region. The growing luxury hospitality and food service industry along with the high beef consumption rate in countries like South Korea, Japan and Australia is also propelling demand in this region. Prime markets in the Asia Pacific region include China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Market Size in 2026 | USD 5.837 billion |
| Total Market Size in 2031 | USD 8.269 billion |
| Growth Rate | 7.21% |
| Study Period | 2021 to 2031 |
| Historical Data | 2021 to 2024 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026 – 2031 |
| Segmentation | Product Type, Breed Type, End-User, Geography |
| Geographical Segmentation | North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific |
| Companies |
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