SE Meat Miyazaki Leads First Halal Wagyu Export to Qatar

In a move hailed as a significant step for both Japanese agriculture and the burgeoning halal food market, Miyazaki Prefecture has successfully exported its prized Wagyu beef to Qatar. This milestone marks the first time Miyazaki Wagyu, renowned for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, has been exported to a Muslim-majority nation under strict halal guidelines. The Halal certification for the Miyazaki Wagyu was issued by Japan Islamic Trust (JIT).

The shipment, consisting of 150 kilograms of A5-ranked Miyazaki Wagyu, departed from the newly established SE Meat Miyazaki processing facility in Saito City on Tuesday. The facility, a collaborative effort between four local livestock farmers including Arita Bokuchiku Sangyo, was specifically designed to meet the stringent requirements of halal certification. This includes employing Muslim staff and adhering to Islamic processing practices.

Related: Japan Islamic Trust Holds Sole Authority for Halal Certification to Saudi Arabia

“This is a momentous occasion for Miyazaki Prefecture,” said Yonezo Arita, President of SE Meat Miyazaki. “We are committed to ensuring our Wagyu meets the highest halal standards, and we are confident this will open doors to further expansion in the Islamic world.”

The journey to this first export has been a meticulous one. While the SE Meat Miyazaki facility was completed in February 2022, the subsequent process of obtaining halal certification from a recognized body was crucial. This certification guarantees that the entire production chain, from farm to table, complies with Islamic dietary laws.

The initial shipment will be served in select restaurants in Qatar, introducing the exquisite flavor of Miyazaki Wagyu to a new market. This move is seen as a strategic effort to tap into the growing demand for premium Wagyu beef among affluent consumers in the Middle East.

The export of Miyazaki Wagyu to Qatar represents a significant expansion of the prefecture’s beef export strategy. While Miyazaki’s beef exports have seen steady growth over the past decade, primarily to markets like the United States, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the focus on halal markets presents a considerable opportunity. The global Muslim population, estimated at nearly two billion, represents a substantial consumer base with a growing appetite for high-quality halal products.

Miyazaki Prefecture recognizes the potential of this market and is actively pursuing further exports to other Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. The SE Meat Miyazaki facility, with its capacity to process 12,000 cattle annually, is poised to become a major player in the halal Wagyu beef export market.

This successful first export not only benefits Miyazaki’s livestock farmers but also strengthens Japan’s position in the global halal food trade. It underscores the country’s commitment to catering to the specific needs of Muslim consumers and highlights the increasing importance of halal certification in international trade. The Miyazaki Wagyu story serves as a compelling example of how meticulous planning, adherence to religious guidelines, and a focus on quality can unlock new and promising markets.