WAGYU REGISTRATIONS INCREASE BY +65% IN 2020 BCMS FIGURES

Figures released by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) for 2020 show that British Wagyu, known for its highly marbled premium beef, has increased its numbers by 65% on the year. The figures, for beef cattle born in England, Wales & Scotland reveal almost 10,000 Wagyu-sired calves were born in 2020. Of these, 8388 were crossbred (sired by a Wagyu bull) and 1047 purebred or Fullblood - totalling 9,435 head of Wagyu animals when compared to 5,699 in 2019. Please click HERE for a breakdown by country and type.

A group of Wagyu-cross calves each with their British Wagyu-branded DNA tissue punch ear tags

WBA Director Chris Dickinson says: “This is a real sign that Wagyu is well on its way to becoming a crucial part of the UK beef industry. British Wagyu is now on far more restaurant menus across the UK as customers are drawn to its high marbling and fantastic taste.”

The figures are backed by a British Wagyu quality assurance scheme now entering its second year together with the imminent introduction of MIJ (Meat Image Japan) camera technology which takes digital images from the cut ribeye surface to predict marbling score, marbling fineness, ribeye area, fat colour and meat colour for an overall Beef Marbling Score (BMS) grade.

Demand is expected to continue to grow for what many consider the world’s finest beef.