Tesco launches new Finest Wagyu steak range amid rising demand for British Wagyu

Tesco has introduced a new Finest Wagyu steak range, featuring four premium cuts to meet the rising demand for British Wagyu beef. The expansion highlights the growing popularity of high-quality, marbled beef in the UK. Image credit: Tesco.

Tesco has expanded its premium steak selection with the introduction of a new Finest Wagyu range, available in over 100 stores across the UK. This launch comes as demand for high-quality Wagyu beef, particularly from British producers, continues to grow.

The new Wagyu range

The new range includes four carefully chosen cuts, each offering distinctive marbling, flavour, and tenderness:

• Tesco Finest Wagyu Ribeye (250g): A luxurious cut with exceptional marbling, giving it a tender texture when cooked. It pairs well with bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz.

• Tesco Finest Wagyu Sirloin (250g): A cut that strikes a perfect balance between deep flavour and tenderness, ideal for pairing with a complex Bordeaux.

• Tesco Finest Wagyu Fillet (200g): This melt-in-the-mouth fillet has natural marbling, best enjoyed with an aged Rioja.

• Tesco Finest Wagyu Rump (250g): A flavour-packed cut with superb texture, perfect with a juicy Malbec.

The growth of British Wagyu

This move by Tesco comes at a time when British Wagyu is experiencing a surge in popularity. According to the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS), the number of Wagyu-sired calves born in the UK more than doubled from 17,083 in 2022 to 35,550 in 2023.

Over the last decade, British Wagyu production has seen significant growth, now representing 1.8% of the annual beef cattle births in Great Britain. For more insights, read the full report from the British Wagyu Breeders Association, published in February 2024.

Demand for premium beef

The demand for Wagyu is being driven by consumers’ desire for high-end, marbled beef. British Wagyu is now a major part of the UK beef industry, with producers and farmers benefiting from the premium returns it offers. The success of the British Wagyu branded beef scheme, now in its third year, and the use of advanced technology to measure quality further elevate the breed’s profile.

Tesco’s response to market trends

Jamie Robinson, executive chef at Tesco, said: “We’ve noticed increasing demand for premium beef, and expanding our Wagyu range allows us to meet this need. By working closely with British farmers, we’re able to bring Wagyu to a wider audience.”

Tesco’s new range responds to growing consumer interest in Wagyu, offering premium cuts that are now available in stores and online. As the popularity of British Wagyu continues to rise, this expansion is expected to meet a growing appetite for high-quality beef in the UK.