Product Offerings
Products:
Beef: Tosa Wagyu (Tosa Akaushi), Japanese Brown Cattle
Meat Processing Services: Slaughtering, Butchering, Packaging
Wholesale Market Operations: Local Wholesale Market Management
Kochi Prefectural Meat Center Co., Ltd. is a government-affiliated meat processing and wholesale center located in Kochi City, Japan. Established to support the local livestock industry and ensure high-quality meat supply across the Kochi Prefecture and beyond, the center plays a pivotal role in the region’s agri-food economy. It functions as a modern facility offering slaughtering, processing, inspection, and distribution of meat—primarily focusing on the premium Tosa Wagyu beef brand.
Core Business and Product Offerings
The Kochi Prefectural Meat Center provides a full range of services and products in the meat supply chain:
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Beef Products:
- Tosa Wagyu (Tosa Akaushi) — premium Japanese Brown Cattle
- Local beef and veal from regional farmers
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Meat Processing Services:
- Slaughtering and hygienic dressing
- Butchering into primal and retail cuts
- Vacuum packaging and cold storage
- Traceability tagging and labeling
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Wholesale Market Management:
- Operates and oversees a regional meat wholesale market that connects ranchers, butchers, retailers, and institutional buyers
The center strictly complies with national hygiene and quality standards and is structured to serve both local and nationwide distribution networks.
Specialization and Core USP
Kochi Prefectural Meat Center specializes in the handling and promotion of Tosa Wagyu, a Japanese Brown cattle breed known for its lean yet tender meat, raised primarily in Kochi Prefecture.
Unique Selling Propositions:
- Government-Backed Infrastructure: Enables access to public resources, regulation compliance, and local farm support programs
- Focus on Regional Specialty: Central hub for Tosa Wagyu processing, enhancing brand consistency and quality
- Integrated Inspection Systems: Presence of in-house veterinarians and government meat inspectors ensures rigorous quality assurance
- Support for Local Ranchers: Offers accessible processing facilities to small and medium-sized farms in the region
Financials and Operational Scale
While specific revenue figures are not published due to the center’s quasi-public nature, the following indicators suggest a strong regional economic footprint:
- Daily Processing Capacity: Up to 50 cattle and 100 pigs
- Number of Local Suppliers: Over 80 livestock farms in Kochi Prefecture
- Estimated Annual Throughput: More than 13,000 livestock units/year
- Economic Contribution: Estimated over ¥1 billion (approx. USD $9.2M) annual economic circulation in the regional livestock sector
Shipment and Distribution Records
Although the Meat Center does not directly engage in export, it plays a vital role in supplying Tosa Wagyu and processed meats for:
- Local Premium Retailers
- Restaurants and Culinary Schools
- Inter-prefecture Wholesale Markets
Recent years have seen rising demand for Tosa Wagyu from national gourmet meat markets, and several distributor-partners of the center participate in export channels.
Target Markets
The Center’s direct customers include:
- Domestic wholesale distributors
- Butcher shops and meat retailers
- Catering services, hospitals, and institutions
- Local governmental food supply programs
Indirectly, its processed products reach consumers through partnerships with commercial food distributors.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Slaughterhouse: Hygienic, HACCP-compliant processing lines for cattle and swine
- Inspection Station: Equipped with Japan Ministry of Health certified meat inspectors
- Cold Chain System: On-site refrigeration and delivery logistics supporting rapid regional distribution
- Livestock Intake Facilities: Capable of quarantining and holding livestock with full veterinary monitoring
The facility is strategically located near agricultural zones and connected to major logistics networks within Shikoku.
Certifications and Compliance
- HACCP Certified
- Japanese Meat Traceability Compliance System (JAS standards)
- Veterinary Supervised Processing
- Environmental Control Program for Wastewater and By-products
These standards help ensure the hygienic and ethical handling of livestock and meat throughout the entire value chain.
Customer Testimonials
While direct consumer feedback is limited due to its B2B and institutional nature, regular reviews from stakeholders have reported:
- “Extremely professional and hygienic handling process”
- “Reliable supply of consistently high-quality Tosa beef”
- “Excellent support for small-scale livestock farmers”
The center has become a trusted institution in the regional food security ecosystem.
Major Achievements
- Successfully supported the growth and branding of Tosa Wagyu, now a recognized regional brand in Japan
- Upgraded to HACCP certification, enabling broader distribution scope
- Operates the only government-affiliated full-cycle meat center in Kochi Prefecture
- Recognized in local agricultural development reports for boosting rancher livelihoods and public food safety
Kochi Prefectural Meat Center Co., Ltd. stands as a model of public-private synergy in the meat industry—delivering quality, safety, and regional economic value through its tightly regulated and efficient meat processing operations.