K&K International Inc. is a premier importer and distributor of high-grade Wagyu beef and gourmet food products, based in Torrance, California. With over two decades of expertise, the company has positioned itself as a trusted supplier of authentic Japanese Wagyu, American and Australian Wagyu, Iberico pork, and seasonal luxury items like truffles to the U.S. market.
Core Business and Offerings
K&K International specializes in sourcing, certifying, and distributing premium meats and culinary products, primarily targeting fine dining restaurants, hotels, and gourmet retailers across North America. Their core offerings include:
- Japanese Wagyu: Sourced from elite regions such as Kobe, Miyazaki, Hida, Omi, Saga, Satsuma, and Yonezawa. All Wagyu cuts are graded A4 or A5 and verified with original Japanese certification documents.
- American Wagyu: A selection of highly marbled Wagyu cuts bred and raised in the U.S., tailored for American cuisine.
- Australian Wagyu: Consistent, grain-fed Wagyu for cost-effective luxury meat offerings.
- Dry Aged Beef: Premium cuts like tomahawk and short loin aged to perfection under strict humidity and temperature controls.
- Iberico Pork: Imported from Spain and available in various primal and specialty cuts.
- Seasonal Truffles: Fresh white and black truffles imported from Europe, sourced seasonally for peak freshness.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
K&K International sets itself apart with:
- Direct Partnerships: Exclusive relationships with Wagyu producers in Japan, ensuring traceability and authenticity.
- Wagyu Certification Expertise: All Japanese Wagyu cuts are accompanied by certificates of origin, grading reports, and carcass maps.
- Temperature-Controlled Logistics: State-of-the-art cold chain systems ensure product integrity from Japan to the U.S. market.
- Education-Based Selling: Their team regularly conducts Wagyu training sessions and demo tastings for chefs and culinary buyers.
Financials and Market Reach
Although K&K International is privately held, industry estimates and trade activity provide insight into its scale:
- Estimated annual revenue: $10M–$20M as of 2024, driven primarily by high-margin Japanese Wagyu sales.
- Primary client segments: Michelin-starred restaurants, gourmet meat purveyors, Japanese supermarkets, and eCommerce channels.
- Retail footprint: Strong presence in California, New York, Illinois, and Texas, along with direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipments nationwide via their online platform.
Shipment and Trade Data
Based on data from international trade platforms:
- K&K International has recorded over 850 shipment records from 2019–2024, mostly from Japan and Spain.
- Most imported SKUs include A5 Wagyu striploins, ribeyes, and Iberico pork shoulders.
- Top ports of entry include Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, aligning with their Torrance headquarters.
Target Markets
The company primarily serves:
- High-End Restaurants: Steak houses, sushi restaurants, French bistros, and contemporary American eateries.
- Luxury Hospitality Chains: Including boutique hotels and premium catering services.
- Specialty Grocers and Gourmet Markets: Especially in metropolitan areas with affluent customer bases.
- Online Consumers: Offering nationwide cold-packaged deliveries through www.thewagyu.com.
Capabilities and Logistics
- In-House Butchery: Custom trimming, portioning, and vacuum packaging to meet diverse chef specifications.
- Bi-lingual Trade Staff: Enables seamless negotiation and sourcing from Japanese suppliers.
- Custom Cold Packaging: Ensures meat remains at optimal temperatures during transit.
- Digital Commerce Platform: Offers real-time inventory updates and product education tools for buyers.
Certifications and Compliance
- All imports are handled under strict compliance with USDA, FSIS, and APHIS regulations.
- Japanese Wagyu shipments are supported with JMGA (Japan Meat Grading Association) documentation.
- Products are HACCP certified and stored in FDA-approved cold storage facilities.
Customer Testimonials and Feedback
- Prominent chefs have commended K&K for “unmatched quality and marbling” in testimonials featured in Japanese food expos and chef panels.
- Users on culinary platforms and forums (such as Reddit’s /r/food and ChefTalk) report consistently positive experiences with both product quality and customer service.
- Repeat partnerships with luxury hospitality brands suggest long-term satisfaction and reliability.
Industry Recognition and Events
- Featured in U.S. Frontline and The Japan Times for promoting Japanese Wagyu in North America.
- Regular exhibitor at trade shows like Winter Fancy Food Show, Japan Food Expo, and National Restaurant Association Show.
- Collaborated with top culinary schools for Wagyu-focused masterclasses and product training.
K&K International Inc. continues to lead in authentic Wagyu distribution by combining sourcing excellence, customer-centric service, and data-backed traceability. Their dedication to quality and education-driven engagement makes them a preferred partner for gourmet meat sourcing across the United States.
