A group of Japanese importers visited, together with the International department of Provacuno, establishments throughout the production chain: suckler farms, feedlots, slaughterhouses, cutting rooms, warehouses and distribution centres for wholesalers in various regions of Spain.
With 48 establishments authorised to export beef and processed products to Japan, Spain has maintained an upward trend in this market, which it gained access to in 2020. In these four years, since authorisation was obtained, Japan has become one of the priority countries for the export of Spanish beef, ranking among the top ten destination countries for our exports outside the EU.
The lack of production capacity forces this Asian country to import some 700,000 tonnes of beef per year to meet its domestic demand. “The Japanese market is looking for top-quality products, and Spanish beef has positioned itself as a premium option for Japanese consumers due to the feeding system of our animals, which is based on high-quality cereals and oilseeds,” explains Javier López, director of Provacuno.
Japanese importers also value compliance with the European production model that guarantees the highest standards in animal welfare, sustainability, traceability, food safety and quality, highlighting, among other aspects, the absence of growth-promoting antibiotics, hormones and other unauthorized substances in the production process.
During 2024, Spanish beef exports to Japan have increased by 25% compared to 2023, reaching 1,720 tonnes. In terms of the economic value of these exports, Spain has become the 10th largest supplier of beef to Japan and the 2nd among EU exporters, with a value of almost 14 million euros per year.
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