Australian lamb new favourite in US as protein ‘wave’ creates demand
- Strong demand from the United States for high-protein diets is driving increased exports of Australian lamb, boosting the industry.
- Producers in South Australia are benefiting from higher prices and expanded market opportunities as US consumers seek lean red meat.
- Industry leaders remain cautious about long-term sustainability, noting risks from global market shifts, currency changes, and supply pressures.
Lamb might have long been a tradition on Australian plates, but there are signs it is becoming an increasingly popular luxury option for American consumers.
Australia’s lamb exports to the United States have broken records in recent years and have remained relatively stable despite high prices and uncertainty around tariffs.
United States-based agricultural analyst Brett Stuart says current global lamb and beef demand “is phenomenal” and that is to Australia’s gain.
“Lamb is having a moment,” Mr Stuart said.
“It’s kind of a new wave of demand. It’s a new luxury item similar to Wagyu beef. It is hard to explain how those retail trends shift and consumers shift, but boy, demand for lamb is strong in America and around the world.” He believes some of that demand is being driven by the search for protein across generations.
“There’s a huge wave chasing protein. Protein is the new buzz word,” Mr Stuart said.
“You look at these gen Z, these young guys, they’re pouring protein powder on everything they eat right now. Even the elderly … and the GLP1 drugs, the weight loss drugs, a lot of those diets are designed around …
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Original article and photo by "ABC News"
