November 17, 2009

Japan's beef consumption up three percent in September

Japan's beef consumption in September increased three percent on-year to 63,845 tonnes, according to data by the Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation of Japan.

The increase was the result of growth in imported beef consumed, up seven percent on-year to 34,918 tonnes. This recovery was driven by strong imported beef sales at retail, combined with steady import volumes, after the year-on-year fall in total consumption during August.

Chilled imported stocks as of September were 29-percent lower from a year ago at 9,880 tonnes, reflecting the market's cautious inventory management, despite relatively sound demand from end-users. In contrast, frozen imported stocks increased by seven percent to 64,956 tonnes, largely due to slow demand from the foodservice and processing sectors.