Why source from Japan
Yamagata Okitama snow-fed water and cold mountain climate produce fat profile distinct from Kansai wagyu; MAFF GI protection.
Key spec
BMS ≥7; melting point 24-28°C; characteristic snowy white-fat marbling.
Typical end-product
Premium fine-dining export, hospitality VIP cuisine, gift-economy boxes.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg cuts; 100 g – 1 kg specialty
- Typical lead time
- 8–14 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Yamagata (Okitama, Yonezawa)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- Year-round (32+ month aging)
- Japan regulatory status
- Yonezawa Beef GI; Yamagata cooperative-managed
- Japanese name
- 米沢牛
- Romaji
- 米沢牛
About this ingredient
Premium wagyu beef from Yamagata Prefecture (Yonezawa region). One of Japan's three major wagyu brands of the Tōhoku region (Yonezawa, Maezawa, Yamagata). MAFF GI-protected; cattle must be raised in the Okitama region of Yamagata for at least the final 32 months. Distinguished by clean snow-fed water and the cold mountain climate's effect on fat-marbling profile. Distinct from existing Kobe / Matsusaka / Omi wagyu entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Yonezawa Beef GI; Yamagata cooperative-managed |
|---|---|
| EU | Beef import; GI under EU-Japan EPA |
| United States | USDA FSIS approved 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
Yonezawa 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
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Last updated: 2026-05-05