China is the largest consumer of beef despite lagging domestic production and has long relied on imports. And with a growing demand for premium meat, consumers are getting more opportunities to taste high-quality beef products from around the world.
Beef, particularly imported beef, is now gaining popularity across China. /CGTN photo
Add a steak sizzling on the grill. Beef is often seen as a symbol of western cuisine. Ding Qianyu, a regular customer at this beef restaurant in Shanghai, loves steak so much that she's now able to distinguish between different types of imported beef.
Ding told CGTN that she eats more Australian and American beef than Canadian beef. American beef is slightly sweeter. The smell of American beef is completely different from that of Australia's. The taste is quite distinct.
Many parents also say eating high-quality beef is a healthier choice./CGTN photo
Wen Wen told CGTN that with less fat, beef nutrition is higher than pork. Eating beef is good for their health. Her daughter also likes to eat imported beef.
Despite all the acclaim for premium beef, annual per capita consumption of beef in China is far below the world average. /CGTN photo
Today, Chinese consumers have more options than ever. Zhu Xiaojun, the manager of PC Wok Steakhouse told CGTN that consumers are becoming more and more professional about beef. They are willing to spend more money on high-quality beef products. She plans to open more chain stores and increase imports of high-quality beef from abroad.
With rising incomes and changing dietary habits and the demand for premium imported beef is expected to grow in the coming years./CGTN photo
According to a recent report from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the total amount of imported beef in China was almost 700,000 tons in 2017.
Xu Wei has been running one of Shanghai's largest food importers for over 15 years. Last year, his company was among the first in China to cash in on the booming market after authorities lifted a ban on US beef.
Xu Wei, the general manager of Shanghai New Source International Trading company told CGTN that over the past few years, he has increased beef imports from over 10 countries.
As China will host its first ever import expo, many importers really hope to meet more high-quality suppliers. /CGTN photo
Both consumers and traders have high expectations for China's increase in imports. All related parties are expected to benefit from the country's vast market potential.