Atlanta, October 11, 2023 – Wagyu beef are often associated with its tender, succulent, fatty and umami-rich steak that become synonymous with luxury as fine scotch or caviar. “Wagyu” in Japanese means Japanese cattle and is pronounced as “wah-gyoo.”
“Most Americans are familiar with Wagyu cattle breed from the Kobe and Miyazaki regions of Japan. We are introducing Wagyu beef from the Oita Prefecture which raises many award winning cattle breeds for over 100 years,” said Ayako Yasuda, UON USA Atlanta Managing Director, an importer and distributor of Oita Wagyu beef.
Oita Prefecture is located in the southern island of Kyushu.
Ayako Yasuda formerly served as a consul in the public relation and cultural promotions department of the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta.
She decided to change career from diplomacy to the business world to pursue her passion in promoting Japanese agriculture and alcohol beverages through culinary experience.
“My grandparents were farmers and I have developed a love for agriculture since I was young. My new business venture also help to expand market opportunities for cattle farmers from the area,” said Yasuda.
There are currently about 60 farmers and 40,000 cattle in the Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. Only 50 cattle are slaughtered daily, a small number compared to several hundred thousands in the USA.
The Wagyu cattle are raised on a special diet of beer malt, vegetables, and grass with tender loving care by farmers.
Yasuda’s company currently offers highest A5 and A4 graded three types of cuts: ribeye, tenderloin and strip loins in the U.S. market. It is currently selling directly to wholesalers and food distributors in the southeast.
General consumers are able to purchase Oita Wagyu beef from specialty Japanese grocery stores such as Gohan Market in Peachtree Corners, according to Yasuda.
She plans to host a series of Oita Wagyu beef tasting along with Japanese whiskey and sake in the coming days around metro Atlanta.
“I hope the experience will convince American consumers to give Oita Wagyu beef a try in their next visit to an upscale Japanese restaurant. Foodie have been invited to a wagyu tasting on Oct 29 in Atlanta”
