Halal certification for Wagyu beef is expanding, leading to a surge in exports to Malaysia and Indonesia.
A nationwide movement is underway among Japanese Wagyu beef producers and meat processors to obtain halal certification. Halal certification, based on Islamic precepts, is essential for exports to Islamic countries, and until recently, obtaining this certification was considered difficult. However, in recent years, improvements in domestic certification bodies and increased government support have led to a rapid increase in the number of certifications.
Malaysia is one of the largest halal markets in ASEAN, with approximately 60% of its population being Muslim. Demand for high-quality Japanese Wagyu beef is rapidly expanding, particularly among the wealthy, and “WAGYU” is becoming a top-priced menu item in high-end restaurants and hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
Exporting halal-certified Wagyu beef opens up opportunities to expand export potential by targeting not only the traditional non-Muslim market but also the Malay and Indonesian markets. Our organization provides support for Wagyu beef exports, including halal-certified products.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan Halal Association (2023)