
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
April 2024 marked the initiation of the subsequent edition of the ‘European beef in Asian markets’ campaign, a continuation of the 2022 campaign and UPEMI’s promotional and informational endeavours in the Japanese market, promoting beef imported between 2018 and 2021.
The ‘European beef in Asian markets’ programme was initiated by the Union of Producers and Employers of the Meat Industry (UPEMI), a leading industry organisation comprising more than 110 entities in the Polish meat sector.
The campaign allows European producers to exhibit their current product offerings and enhance their understanding of the expectations of beef consumers in Asia.
For further information, refer to About the Programme page
Read moreNews
FOODEX JAPAN 2025 Trade Fair, one of the most important events in the food industry in Asia, ended with a significant success for the “European Beef on Asian Markets” campaign. On 11–14 March, Tokyo Big Sight became a meeting place for leaders of the food industry from all over the world, and the stand promoting … Continued
The beef sector is experiencing significant changes that present opportunities and challenges. A recent analysis of the latest export and import data and market forecasts available on industry websites offers valuable insights into the sector’s future direction in the coming years. Global production and export trends According to forecasts from the US Department of Agriculture … Continued
Beef has played an important role in the cuisines of various cultures for centuries. In Europe, it is valued for its high quality standards and exceptional taste, while in Asia – especially in Japanese and Hong Kong menus – it has gained the status of an extraordinary ingredient that can enrich traditional culinary experiences. How … Continued
EUROPEAN BEEF SECTOR
The European Union (EU) is one of the world’s major beef producers. Its cattle herd is estimated to be approximately 78 million1.
Within the European Union are large farms that specialise in pure beef cattle production and organic farming, alongside farms that focus on fattening mixed breeds or rearing dairy cattle. European exporters, therefore, have a diverse range of beef in many product and price categories.
For more information, refer to the European Beef Sector page

EXPORT TO JAPAN
Japan is not self-sufficient in beef and its related products. Indigenous production is insufficient in relation to demand. European beef sales to Japan have been growing steadily since 2017. In 2023, European Union countries exported 92,031 tonnes of this meat to Japan, and by June 2024, exports totalled 40,893 tonnes. This significant increase shows the great potential for trade between the EU and Japan in this product range.
For more information, see the Export to Japan page
Read moreEXPORT TO HONG KONG
Hong Kong is one of the leading importers of beef from the European Union. In 2023, the country imported 69,729 tonnes of beef from Europe; by June 2024, it had already amounted to 41,926 tonnes. These figures confirm the huge trade potential for beef exports to the Hong Kong food market.
For further information, see the Export to Hong Kong page
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1 Information from agriculture.ec.europa.eu webpage
2 Data from the European Commission “Beef & Veal Market Situation” report
3 Information from agriculture.ec.europa.eu webpage