Why wagyu beef commands such a premium price in the UK

Wagyu is a type of beef that originates from Japan. It is not meat for every budget. In the UK, you must pay over £150 per pound for it. In comparison, a pound of regular beef on the market costs just a few pounds. Why does wagyu cost so much?

Wagyu beef is one of the most expensive, most luxurious meats in the world. You must pay between £70 and £200 for a pound of ribeye or tenderloin, while regular beef in the market costs just a few pounds per pound. Why do you pay so much for this particular type of meat? The high price is mainly due to the specific way it is raised.

The beef must come from cows 100% genetically derived from one of the four Japanese cattle breeds—Kuroge Washu, Akage Washu or Akaushi, Mukaku Washu, and Nihon Tankaku Washu. These breeds are referred to as wagyu.

Wagyu cows receive the most expensive and best feeds, which affects the meat's consistency. Feeding wagyu cattle is costly, so breeders must sell the meat at higher prices to offset their expenses. The cows are fed organic feed comprising grains, potatoes, rice, and legumes. This certified feed is an additional cost.

This is another factor contributing to the high cost of producing this Japanese beef. Finding free pastures in Japan is challenging, so maintaining such a farm is also more expensive.

Wagyu cows reach a weight of around 1,500 lbs. For the animal to get such a weight, breeders must let it live longer than other cattle breeds. The cost of maintaining a cow pays off after about a year, so farmers include this in the selling price.

Each piece of meat is carefully evaluated. Inspectors, trained for many years, pay attention to elements such as marbling, ease of cutting, and fat content. Such experts are highly respected and well-paid in Japan, as reflected in the price you pay for Wagyu.

The Japanese strive to ensure that meat from wagyu cows originates from their country. Therefore, exporting the semen of these Japanese bulls is restricted. The Japanese use their dominance to drive up the price.

Since the Japanese maintain a monopoly on breeding and preparing the meat, wagyu beef must be imported to various countries, including the UK. Logistics, customs duties, and taxes are additional components of the high cost of meat.

Connoisseurs claim that wagyu is not equal to beef. It is considered the caviar of meats. However, taste is not everything. This beef has an exceptionally favourable effect on cholesterol levels. Wagyu beef is rich in monounsaturated fats, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and has high protein and iron content.