Beef consumption in China has risen steadily over the past few years, according to a new Rabobank report. It found rising incomes, dietary shift and urbanisation are driving the Chinese appetite for beef. The report was published this afternoon.
With local production unable to grow fast enough to meet increasing demand, the Chinese market provides a great opportunity for exporters from the key beef producing countries. These include exporters in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Uruguay, India and potentially the US, if it's suspension from the Chinese market in the aftermath of the 2004 BSE outbreak is lifted.
Beef is a niche product in China, accounting for only 8 per cent of per capita meat consumption, in contrast to 22 per cent for poultry and 65 per cent for pork, the Rabobank report said. "It is generally considered more of a special occasion item, rather than an everyday meal option. Over an estimated 60 per cent of total beef consumption takes place outside the home with the major options for eating away from home including 'hot pot', canteens at work, Western style restaurants and quick service restaurants (QSR) such as McDonald's and KFC," it added.
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