Report Overview

Japan's meat market is growing rapidly due to the availability of a wide range of meat products, including pork, beef, chicken, etc. Moreover, changing consumption patterns and growing health consciousness among consumers also power the country’s meat market.

Japan Meat Market- Industry Trends & Forecast Report 2027

Japan meat market is witnessing prolific demand and estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2021-27). The increasing popularity and demand for meat in Japan are due to the high health consciousness among Japanese consumers and increasing meat import and export activities to fuel the surging demand. According to Business Insider, the government is also utilizing meat to boost the strength of the Japanese army, which is anticipated to drive market growth in the upcoming years.

Japan Meat Market- Overview

Generally, 'meat' refers to animal flesh intended for human consumption as food. Among the nutrients found in meat are proteins, zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins. Japan offers many types of meat, including beef, goat, lamb, chicken and turkey, snake, bear, monkey, Java mouse, braised goat testicles, grilled wild boar, fried fox meat, bat, and grilled porcupine. Among these types, pork is the most popular meat in Japan.

Japan Meat Market Forecast and Trends

Growth Drivers

Growing Demand for Ready-to-Eat Food

With a seemingly flourishing economy, Japanese consumers demand ready-to-eat food products that are easily available in offline stores and take limited time to prepare. As a result, chilled and frozen meat is gaining huge popularity in the Japanese market. Additionally, the fast-paced lifestyle of Japanese consumers and their hectic work life, especially in urban areas, such as Tokyo and Osaka, favors market growth. Furthermore, easy-to-cook meat products are also gaining huge popularity among millennials. These factors are anticipated to drive the Japan meat market during the forecast period.

Increasing Number of Fast-Food Chains

Fast-food chains are growing rapidly in Japan due to media exposure, convenience, and low-cost food availability. Global fast-food chain giants, such as McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, etc., are highly popular among Japanese consumers due to their wide range of meat-based dishes. Burger King, for instance, recently launched “Super One Pound Beef Cheeseburger”. such launches fuel the demand for meat in Japan. Moreover, local brands, such as Yoshinoya, Matsuya, noodle brand Marugame, etc., also enjoy public attention. These stores also constantly launch new products to attract consumers.

Restraints

Growing Popularity of Plant-Based (Vegan) Meat

With the increasing adoption of the vegan lifestyle in Japan, the demand for plant-based meat is also gaining traction. Plant-based meat was earlier consumed by vegans only. However, it is also gaining popularity among meat-eaters as well due to the influence of social media. This may act as a major hindrance to the growth of Japan's meat market during the forecast period. Considering the growing popularity of vegan meat in Japan, vegan meat brands in the country are increasingly launching innovative plant-based meat products into the market and boosting their accessibility through sales channels, which may limit the country’s demand for meat.

Impact of COVID-19 on Japan Meat Market

The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 impacted the Japanese economy severely, thereby negatively impacting the Japan meat market. In response to an increasing number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the country, the Japanese government had to declare an emergency, restricting imports and exports of meat. Additionally, meat consumption also witnessed a sharp decline due to the shortage of stock in the supermarkets/hypermarkets and the temporary shutdown of on-trade channels, such as restaurants and street food vendors.

Japan Meat Market - By Type

Based on types, the Japan meat market is segmented into red meat, poultry, and seafood. Among these, the red meat segment dominates the country’s meat market. The red meat segment is further classified into beef, goat, lamb, pork, dog, and others. Pork is the most commonly consumed meat in Japan. Pork consumption in this region is nearly as high as that of chicken and meat combined. Many regions in Japan are engaged in pig farming, making pork one of the easiest meat available in the country.

Japan Meat Market - By Product Type

Based on product types, the Japan meat market is segmented into fresh, chilled, and frozen meat. Among these, the fresh meat-type held the largest market share in 2020 and is likely to maintain its dominance even during the forecast period because of the growing health consciousness among consumers.  Fresh meat has a higher nutritional value than chilled and frozen meat, which enhances its appeal in the market. Additionally, the growing number of butcher shops and easy availability of fresh meat on the Japanese market contribute to the market's growth. On the other hand, frozen meat holds a significant market share due to its longer shelf life.

Japan Meat Market - By Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channels, the Japan meat market is segmented into on-trade and off-trade. The off-trade segment is further classified into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, online stores, and others. The supermarket/hypermarket segment accounts for the largest share of the market due to the availability of fresh, chilled, and frozen meat products under one roof. Moreover, the existence of numerous supermarkets/hypermarkets in Japan contributes to the growth of the market. On the other hand, the on-trade segment also covers a substantial share in the market because of the high popularity of restaurants and Japanese street food.

Competitive Landscape

The leading players in the Japan meat market are Ryu Mei Co Ltd, AAG Enterprises, AG Group Co. Ltd., Agenda, Aslink Japan Ltd., AUN Company, Bice Company Ltd., Coltibuono Trading, Darshana Lokuge, Archie Inc., Nihon Shokken Food-Tech Co., and other prominent players.

The market is highly fragmented as there are several industry participants offering a wide range of meat products. In order to increase penetration of their products, the companies focus on launching new products to meet changing consumer preferences and improve their distribution channels. Additionally, partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other competitive strategies are common in this market.

Recent Development

• In January 2021, Aleph Farms, an Israeli cultured meat startup, and Food Industry Group of Mitsubishi Corporation announced a partnership to bring cultivated meat into Japan.

Scope of the Report

By Type

• Red Meat

1. Beef
2. Goat
3. Lamb
4. Pork

• Poultry

1. Chicken
2. Turkey

• Seafood

1. Fish
2. Crab
3. Lobster
4. Others

By Product Type

• Fresh
• Chilled
• Frozen

By Distribution Channel

• On-Trade
• Off-Trade

1. Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
2. Specialty Stores
3. Online Stores
4. Others