Kobe Beef
JAPAN’S CROWN JEWEL
For generations, Kobe Beef has stood as a symbol of culinary luxury, revered by celebrities, royalty, and gourmet enthusiasts across the globe. Renowned for its intense marbling, buttery texture, and sophisticated flavor profile, Kobe beef offers a dining experience that remains unparalleled. Interestingly, the exceptional quality of this beef even inspired the naming of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Recognized as the most prestigious Wagyu brand in the world, Kobe beef is often described as the Rolls-Royce of beef, epitomizing opulence and excellence in every bite.
Genuine Kobe
KOBE BEEF MARKETING ASSOCIATION
The Kobe beef supply is carefully curated from just 12 Tajima Fullblood bulls each year, selected by the government for their superior traits. Only about 10% of the 5,500 eligible cattle are exported annually from a select group of certified farmers, ensuring that only the finest beef bears the prestigious Kobe label.
The esteemed reputation of Kobe beef is maintained through rigorous production standards set by the Kobe Beef Association. To bear the iconic Japanese chrysanthemum mark, certified Kobe beef must meet stringent criteria:
Derived from the Tajima bloodline, raised and processed exclusively in Japan's Hyogo Prefecture, mirroring the exclusivity of true Champagne from France's Champagne region.
Graded A5 or A4, with a Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of 6 or above.
Adheres to additional conditions listed on their website here.
Any Wagyu labeled as "Kobe" outside these standards is not genuine Kobe Beef.
Official Importer
HOW TO BECOME A RETAILER
Trex is an Official Certified Importer of Kobe Beef. Sales are restricted to members of the Kobe Beef Association, encompassing farms, wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants, all of which must be officially certified on the Kobe Beef Marketing Association’s website here.
Offering Kobe beef enhances your brand's prestige, signaling to customers that your establishment is committed to providing the highest quality and exclusivity. It assures patrons that they are engaging with a business that values exceptional culinary experiences, setting you apart as a leader in the industry.
Please contact us if you’re interested in becoming a certified Kobe Beef retailer.
Kobe Gold Award
JAPANESE WAGYU WORLD AUCTION
We were privileged to participate in the 2024 Japanese Wagyu World Auction at the esteemed Himeji Wagyu Master in Hyogo Prefecture. This exclusive event provides buyers from around the globe the opportunity to purchase top-tier wagyu directly from Japan's premier brands.
Trex proudly secured the prestigious Kobe Beef Gold Award, recognizing the finest Kobe beef at the auction. We’re committed to sourcing the highest quality beef for our beloved clients and we invite you to partner with us.
Certification
CHECK YOUR KOBE
The pedigree information and production history of your beef can be conveniently traced using the 10-digit ID number found on the Wagyu certificate. This number is available at the retailer or restaurant where you purchased the Kobe Beef. This system enables you to verify the authenticity of your Kobe Beef.
Tip: Certified Kobe Beef retailers normally have this statue
Mark Melnick
OFFICIAL KOBE BEEF COMMISSIONER
Mark Melnick, the former president of Trex, is celebrated as a trailblazer in the Japanese Wagyu industry and continues to be one of its most impactful figures. He independently developed Trex into one of the premier importers of Japanese Wagyu, firmly establishing the company as a market leader in the U.S. His unparalleled expertise and steadfast dedication have established benchmarks for excellence, quality, and authenticity within the industry.
Mark holds the position of Commissioner and Official Inspector for Kobe Beef in the United States, a role that underscores his essential contribution to preserving the integrity and prestige of Kobe beef across the nation.