Why source from Japan
Shiga's 400+ year wagyu heritage anchors Japan's wagyu trinity; Lake Biwa terroir distinct from Tajima (Kobe) or Mie (Matsusaka).
Key spec
BMS ≥7 (typically 8-11); marbling ratio elevated; characteristic sweetness (lake-water + rice-straw influence).
Typical end-product
Premium fine-dining export, hospitality cuisine, gift-economy boxes.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg cuts; 100 g – 1 kg specialty grades
- Typical lead time
- 8–14 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Shiga (Lake Biwa region, exclusively)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- Year-round (28+ month aging)
- Japan regulatory status
- Omi Beef GI; Shiga cooperative-managed
- Japanese name
- 近江牛
- Romaji
- 近江牛
About this ingredient
Omi Beef from Shiga Prefecture — Japan's oldest documented wagyu brand (production since the early Edo period). One of the three most-prestigious wagyu brands (Kobe, Matsusaka, Omi) and the founding member of the wagyu trinity. Cattle raised in the cool waters and rolling hills around Lake Biwa, fed local rice straw. Substantial export volume to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and increasingly to US fine-dining.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Omi Beef GI; Shiga cooperative-managed |
|---|---|
| EU | Beef import; GI under EU-Japan EPA |
| United States | USDA FSIS approved Japanese facilities |
| China | GACC; meat-import licensing |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Omi Beef (Wagyu GI) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Disclaimer
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Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
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Last updated: 2026-05-05