The UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Council (ADHB) estimates that British beef’s access to Chinese markets could bring the British beef sector nearly € 260 million or more than $ 29 million in the first five years.

China is the largest importer of beef in the world. The country is forecasting an increase in the consumption of beef and other red meat in connection with the rapidly growing population and the growth of the middle class.

AHDB's recent Asian market report highlights two main areas of meat’s export opportunities: Premium, high-quality slices, and beef production.

“The demand for beef in Japan, South Korea and China has been growing steadily over the past few years,” said Felicity Rusk, an analyst with the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Council.

Another key trend driving Asian consumer demand for beef is a growing sense of time pressure.

“A longer working day and an active social life means that consumers are looking for pre-cooked foods, such as pickled, boneless and processed meats, which make the cooking process easier and faster,” an ADHB analyst said.