Chicken Demand Bullish in Japanese Households
JAPAN - Japanese family purchased on average 1.2 kg of chicken during April, up 23 per cent from the previous year and the tenth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase (data by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan).Contributing to the growth in consumption has been the recovery of Japan’s poultry industry after the 11 March earthquake/tsunami, along with consumers’ preference for cheaper proteins and higher import stocks in the market.
Japans imported chicken inventory has been over 100,000 tonnes since June 2011, while its monthly consumption averages around 37,000 tonnes. There has been increased focus on chicken promotions by both retailers and foodservice operators, placing beef and pork sales under pressure.
Beef and pork purchases by households during the month fell 3 per cent year-on-year, to 0.54kg and 0.5 per cent to 1.5kg, respectively.