China is turning back to native black pigs as consumers and producers seek alternatives to mass-produced pork from Western breeds, driven by concerns over quality, taste and shrinking margins in the country’s pork sector. China turns back to native black pigs as this demand creates a rare bright spot for pork producers struggling after years of overcapacity and falling prices. Marketed as the “Wagyu of pork” for its fattier texture, black pork can sell for up to four times the price of standard white pork, according to interviews with producers, analysts and academics. To meet rising demand, China began importing Western pig breeds in the 1990s that matured in five months, compared with about a year for traditional black pigs. Wen Foodstuff said in November it aims to become China’s top black pork brand and increase black hogs to 5% of its herd by 2027.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 02, 2026 10:47 UTC