Wagyu Beef Market Report 2026

The wagyu beef market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.69 billion in 2025 to $2.86 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of luxury dining culture, expansion of japanese cuisine globally, increasing disposable income among premium consumers, limited supply of authentic wagyu cattle, development of international wagyu breeding programs.

The wagyu beef market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.79 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for premium protein products, expansion of direct-to-consumer meat sales, rising focus on certified meat sourcing, increasing adoption of digital traceability tools, growth of gourmet retail channels. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for premium and authentic wagyu beef, rising popularity of crossbred wagyu varieties, expansion of high-end foodservice consumption, growing traceability and origin certification focus, enhanced focus on ethical cattle rearing practices.

The rapid expansion of the food and beverage industries is expected to drive the growth of the Wagyu beef market in the coming years. The food and beverage industry encompasses enterprises that transform raw agricultural materials into consumer food products, provide food transportation services, operate catering businesses, and more. Wagyu beef is primarily consumed within the food industry due to its high fat marbling, which delivers rich flavor best enjoyed in small portions. For instance, in July 2025, according to the Government of Canada, a Canada-based federal agency, exports of processed food and beverage products reached a record $59.8 billion in 2024, marking a 3.8% increase compared with 2023. Therefore, the growth of the food and beverage industries is supporting the Wagyu beef market.

Leading companies in the Wagyu beef market are developing products such as grain-fed beef to reach larger customer bases, boost sales, and increase revenue. Grain-fed beef refers to cattle primarily fed a diet of grains - such as corn, barley, and soy - during the final stages of life in feedlots. For instance, in October 2023, 1788 BEEF, a brand of the Netherlands-based Jan Zandbergen Group, launched a range of Australian grain-fed Wagyu beef. This beef is distinguished by its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and flavor, resulting from Wagyu cattle being fed a specialized diet of natural supplements - including grain, grass, and corn - for over 300 days. This feeding regimen enhances both taste and nutritional profile, achieving an AUSMEAT marbling score of 6-7, ensuring consistently high-quality beef with premium taste and texture.

In July 2025, Starzen Company Limited, a Japan-based provider of specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, acquired Yorkrange Pty Ltd for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to expand Starzen’s global footprint and enhance production capabilities in high-value chemical products. Yorkrange Pty Ltd is an Australia-based company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of high-purity intermediates and specialty chemicals.

Major companies operating in the wagyu beef market are Starzen Company Ltd., Itoham Foods Inc., Stanbroke, Australian Agricultural Company, West Coast Prime Meats, Masami Foods, Broadleaf, DeBragga & Spitler Inc., Middle East Fuji L.L.C., Westholme, Mishima Reserve, The Dorset Meat Company, Jack's Creek, Black Hawk Farms, Chicago Steak Company, Holy Grail Steak Co., KC Cattle Company, Lone Mountain Cattle Company, Nebraska Star Beef, Rangers Valley, Sher Wagyu, Snake River Farms, Tajimaya UK ltd., Morgan Ranch LLC, DrybagSteak LLC, Blackmore Wagyu, Darling Downs Wagyu, Toriyama Umami Wagyu.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the wagyu beef market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the wagyu beef market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the wagyu beef market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The wagyu beef market consists of sales of fullblood wagyu, purebred wagyu, and crossbred wagyu. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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