For centuries, the export of Wagyu from Japan was prohibited. Only in 1976 there was an export to the USA for research purposes. The outstanding genetic qualities of these cattle have been studied, hence the first breeding outside Japan started. The breeders from USA now produce mainly for the Japanese market. Holland was the first country in Europe, which imported breeding animals and thanks to Fred and Yolanda de Leeuw in Amsterdam and the breeder Herman Vermaas could take this exeptionelle meats in the culinary strongholds Holland's foot. Since 1996, Chateau Altembrouck breed professionally in Belgium and England in Voelas Hall Estate in Pentrefoelas Wagyu.
2005, in Switzerland on the farm of Hans Ruedi Zimmermann in Villigen AG, the first embryos implanted to the surrogate cows were born used by the Belgian-Dutch breeding and since then the herd is growing continuously. This herd is so directly from the original breeding Wagyu. Meanwhile even a small group of breeders in Switzerland has been created. The cows enjoy a 100% natural rearing and are feed exclusively on corn, grass, barley and minerals. There are no artificial hormones, no growth-stimulating substances or preventive antibiotics used! The very high quality standards following the animals are kept appropriately. The beef is more than three weeks dry aged before selling and then cooled and vacuum sealed before shipped.
