Importers don't feel much for animal-friendly meat

The institute concludes that the willingness to pay more for 'more animal-friendly' meat does not seem very high. The researchers came to this insight after several conversations with economists and pork importers/exporters in Poland, Italy, Japan and South Korea. Although the subject is on the agenda among younger target groups in Poland and Italy, it does not play a role in the purchasing policy of buyers in Japan and South Korea.

Other priorities
The researchers indicate that for foreign consumers, themes such as price, quality and origin are the most important criteria. If the theme of animal welfare is to be of value in the mentioned foreign export destinations, it must be able to be related to better quality and taste of the pork. Criteria such as more living space, which only reflect on the animal, are not of interest on export markets. According to the experts, it would also help to bring the theme to the attention of customers better.

In Germany, the pig sector is busy taking animal welfare to a higher level. More and more retail companies in Germany require meat that comes from animals raised according to the criteria of this quality mark. Participating pig farmers receive a bonus for animals supplied. For meat with an export destination, the efforts made have so far yielded little or no additional value.