Consumers' beef purchasing behavior across countries

Abstract

In 2022, the value of United States (US) beef and beef product exports was $11.7 billion, and the US was the world's largest beef producer and second-largest beef exporter by volume. Therefore, we conducted surveys to evaluate beef purchasing behavior among consumers in important and emerging US beef export markets, including Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Mexico. Results reveal differences in consumers' beef purchasing behavior across countries. Most Mexican consumers purchase beef two-to-three times a week, while consumers in other countries typically purchase it once a week. Using ordered probit models, we examined the factors associated with beef purchase frequency in each country. Japanese consumers who consider price to be an important factor when purchasing beef are less likely to purchase it frequently. German consumers, for whom brands are important when buying beef, are more likely to buy it frequently. British consumers, who consider hormone-free production to be important when purchasing beef, are less likely to buy it frequently. Mexican consumers, who consider grass-fed production to be an important factor when purchasing beef, are less likely to buy it frequently. Across all countries, individuals who purchase beef at supermarkets and from butchers are more likely to purchase it more often. Results also indicate that various consumer demographics are associated with beef purchase frequency across countries. The findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders regarding international consumer beef purchasing behavior.

Keywords: Beef demand; Beef purchase frequency; Exports; Germany; Japan; Mexico; United Kingdom.