While beef is produced in many countries across the globe, some nations are known for their high-quality and delicious meat that is in high demand worldwide. These countries have established their reputation through their methods of rearing cattle, farming practices, and the unique taste of their beef. Recently, Yahoo produced a list compiling the 15 Countries that Produce the Best Beef in the World and listed Argentina as the highest-ranking country.
Market Overview
The global beef industry has a worth of over $450 billion in 2021, according to the Grand View Market Research firm. The industry is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 4.8%, reaching an estimated worth of $712.5 billion by the end of 2030.
The article also highlights factors that are expected to drive growth in the industry, including increasing preference for high preference meats, growing disposable income for consumers, and higher demand for ready-to-made meats. The Asia Pacific segment is likely to remain the largest beef consumer, while North America's growth will outpace the overall market.
Moreover, the article notes that beef represents 24% of the world's meat consumption, with the United States consuming the most significant portion. In this journal, we will examine why Argentine beef is regarded as the best, with a focus on the quality, taste, and texture of the beef, as well as the country's production methods and the impact of Argentine beef on the global market.
Comprehensive List
15. Morocco
Beef Exports in 2021: $28,000
Morocco is a North African country with a GDP per capita of $3,896. Although the country is not a major beef exporter, it is known for producing high-quality beef. The country relies on the export of cars, textiles, and industrial products. In 2021, Morocco exported only $28,000 worth of beef.
14. Kenya
Beef Exports in 2021: $5.7 million
Kenya is an African country with a GDP per capita of $6,122. It heavily relies on agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. While sheep and goat meat are the most significant contributors to the meat industry in Kenya, beef also plays a central role in the country's culture. In fact, a beef dish is a national cuisine.
13. Turkey
Beef Exports in 2021: $8.9 million
The Republic of Turkey is a transcontinental country that spans Europe and Asia and is rich in cultural and historical heritage. Rooted in diversity, Turkey's cultural background is reflective of its vibrant beef industry. Turkey uses beef at the forefront of their county with a range of unique dishes such as Donair, its national dish. The country is also investing in its meat production, with beef production having a 7.4% growth, they reached 1.2 million tons in 2019, according to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).
12. Hungary
Beef Exports in 2021: $16 million
Located in Central Europe, Hungary has a highly industrialized economy with a vast car production and spare parts industry. The country's agricultural sector comprises large and medium-sized cattle and dairy farms. Research suggests, while smaller cattle farms are more efficient, medium-sized farms see a backward trend of efficiency.
11. Austria
Beef Exports in 2021: $116 million
The Republic of Austria, with a GDP per capita of $64,750, is a European country composed of nine states. More than half of Austria's agricultural land is reserved for animal and cattle farming. The beef industry is primarily made up of small farmers, and many Austrian farms are organically kept. These factors contribute to higher quality and more expensive beef.
10. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Beef Exports in 2021: $141 million
The United Kingdom, comprised of Ireland, Wales, Britain, and Scotland, is a prosperous European nation with a strong beef industry. Scottish and Northern Irish beef are especially renowned for their quality, and British beef is known for its high welfare standards. Animals are primarily grass-fed and naturally raised without hormones, with Scotland's Scotch Beef being bred from naturally suckled calves. Angus beef from Scotland is also a famous variety.
9. Spain
Beef Exports in 2021: $240 million
The Kingdom of Spain, famous for bullfighting, is a top producer of high-quality beef. Spanish beef types include Carne de Morucha de Salamanca, Ternera de Los Pirineos Catalanes, Ternera de Navarra, Carne de Ávila, and Ternera Gallega, Carne de la Sierra de Guadarrama. These are produced across Spain and vary in diet, color, and fat content.
8. Uruguay
Beef Exports in 2021: $1.9 billion
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay, a progressive and peaceful Latin American country, is the world's sixth-largest beef exporter, with $1.9 billion in exports in 2021. Beef is Uruguay's most significant export and accounts for over 10% of the country's mix. Interestingly, Uruguay is also the world's second-largest beef consumer, reflecting the country's love for high-quality beef.
7. Portugal
Beef Exports in 2021: $9.3 million
Located in Southwestern Europe, Portugal has a GDP per capita of $42,067. It is home to various unique beef breeds, such as Carne Cachena da Peneda, Carne Mertolenga, Carne Arouquesa, Vitela de Lafõe, and Carne Barrosã. Although Portugal's role in global beef exports is small, it has a diverse range of beef varieties that are distinctively Portuguese.
6. Australia
Beef Exports in 2021: $4.1 billion
Australia is a country in Oceania well-known for its thriving agricultural sector. Australia is notably one of the largest beef exporters in the world, with a total exported beef value of $4.1 billion in 2021. Australia is home to several large cattle stations and beef production companies, such as the Australian Agricultural Company Limited and North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCO). Australian beef is renowned for its tenderness and flavor, but it is typically grain-fed, which can make the meat less healthy and flavorful.
5. Brazil
Beef Exports in 2021: $6.9 billion
In 2021, Brazil exported an enormous 1.3 million tons of frozen beef, making it the world's largest exporter of this product. The value of these exports amounted to a staggering $6.9 billion. As a result, it's no surprise that Brazil is also home to one of the world's largest beef companies, JBS S.A., with subsidiaries in several countries.
4. United States of America
Beef Exports in 2021: $4.5 billion
The United States is a significant beef producer, and its meat is widely available worldwide. However, beef in the U.S. is typically raised in feedlots and injected with hormones and antibiotics. This can result in less healthy and less flavorful meat. With a strong agricultural base and technological prowess, the United States is the world's largest economy and the second-largest exporter of frozen beef, selling $4.5 billion worth in 2021. American beef is primarily fed on grain and soy, giving it a distinct flavor. Some of the largest beef-producing companies in the country include Tyson Foods, Inc., Cargill, and JBS USA Holdings, Inc.
3. Poland
Beef Exports in 2021: $491 million
As one of Europe's largest beef exporters, the Republic of Poland exports most of its products to Europe. The country prides itself on producing some of the best beef in the world through animals that are not GMO-fed or given antibiotics or hormones. The Cedrob Group and Agraimpex are some of the largest beef-producing entities in the country.
2. Japan
Beef Exports in 2021: $491 million
Japan is an Asian economic powerhouse and a country renowned for its high-quality beef. In 2021, Japan exported 4,388 tons of beef worth $491 million, making it the most valuable per kilogram. Some of the most well-known beef varieties in the world are from Japan, including the Kobe and Wagyu beef families.
1. Argentina
Beef Exports in 2021: $1.9 billion
Argentina is a South American country that heavily relies on agricultural exports for its foreign exchange income. Corn, wheat, and other products represent a significant portion of its exports. Argentina has several different cattle breeds, such as Zebu, Holando-Argentina, and Aberdeen Angus, with beef companies such as Devesa dominating the industry. In 2021, Argentina exported beef worth $1.9 billion, earning it the top spot on the Insider Monkey list.
Argentine Beef Quality
The quality of Argentine beef can be attributed to several factors, including the country's vast grasslands and ideal climate, which provide the perfect conditions for raising cattle. Argentine cows are allowed to graze freely on the grass, which results in leaner and more flavorful meat. Additionally, Argentine beef is typically raised without hormones or antibiotics, which can lead to healthier and better-tasting meat.
Recognition
Argentina has once again claimed the prestigious distinction of being the foremost global provider of beef, marking a third consecutive year of achieving this recognition. The country's latest feat was accomplished at the World Steak Challenge, a highly-regarded event held in Dublin, Ireland, where expert judges meticulously evaluate and appraise top-tier beef cuts for their exceptional quality. Argentina's triumph at the World Steak Challenge this year is a testament to the country's steadfast commitment to maintaining unparalleled standards in beef production and highlights its reputation as a leading purveyor of premium beef products.
Acquiring Argentine Beef
WorldClass is proud to offer its customers access to some of the finest Argentine beef available in the market. As a leading supplier of premium products, our company sources its beef from Argentina's top producers, ensuring that only the highest quality cuts are delivered to our clients. Our streamlined distribution process allows us to efficiently transport the beef to our two primary markets, Houston and Phoenix. Through our extensive network of local partners, we are able to ensure that our customers in these regions have access to the best Argentine beef available. With our commitment to providing top-notch customer service and reliable delivery, we have built a reputation as a trusted supplier of quality meat products, helping our clients to offer their customers the very best in Argentine beef.
While we do plan to expand our direct-to-consumer offerings in the near future, interested customers can currently visit our website to view our list of partner restaurants that serve our Argentine beef and other hidden treasures in the Houston and Phoenix areas.
Argentine beef stands out as a premium product in the world of luxury food due to its unique flavor and texture, combined with the natural way it is raised and prepared. Argentine beef is widely regarded as the best beef globally, with its grass-fed and hormone-free farming methods resulting in leaner, healthier, and more flavorful meat. It is a superior choice for high-end restaurants and gourmet food retailers looking to impress discerning customers with the finest quality meat products.
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