China’s leading hog producers, Wens and Muyuan, are cautiously exploring overseas markets. While Wens remains in the research phase, Muyuan has already launched strategic collaborations in Vietnam. Both companies focus on cost efficiency and technological innovation in domestic operations. The article analyzes their differing approaches to international expansion, production strategies, and their implications for global pork markets.
At a recent securities strategy conference held in Shanghai, Wens Foodstuff Group Co., China’s second-largest hog producer, revealed that its overseas expansion plans remain in the exploratory phase. “We’re still observing and researching international opportunities,” a company spokesperson stated. “When the time is right, we’ll consider entering foreign markets.”
In contrast, Muyuan Foods Co., currently China’s largest hog producer, has taken a more proactive stance. The company emphasized that opportunities abound in the global pig farming industry and that it is actively exploring overseas ventures alongside its deepening domestic operations.
“Although our internationalization is still in its early stages, we are conducting comprehensive research on overseas market demand and industry dynamics,” Muyuan noted in early June. “We aim to align future geographic deployments with our strategic strengths to enhance local competitiveness and contribute to global industry development.”
Vietnam: Muyuan’s First International Move
Muyuan’s most visible step toward globalization came in September 2024, when it signed a strategic agreement with BAF Vietnam Agricultural Joint Stock Company. Under the deal, Muyuan will provide technical expertise in pig farm design, biosecurity, environmental management, and promote AI adoption across the farming value chain.
BAF, which expects to produce less than 900,000 pigs in 2024, aims to scale up output to 10 million pigs annually by 2030 under Muyuan’s guidance.
Cost Efficiency and Technology Drive Domestic Edge
Wens continues to emphasize cost control and efficiency in its domestic pig operations. In May, the company reported an average of 11.7 piglets per litter and a piglet production cost of around CNY 280 per head (about USD 38.40). Market-ready hogs achieved a 93% sell-through rate, while the overall production cost ranged from CNY 12.00 to CNY 12.20 per kg (about USD 1.69–1.72 per kg),achieved through refined management practices
Between January and May 2025, Wens sold nearly 15 million pigs, including around 1 million piglets. While the company maintains its focus on fattening and marketing finished hogs, and the recent surge in piglet sales occurred primarily over the past three months, with May alone accounting for over 10% of monthly sales (approx. 316,700 head).
Despite this uptick, Wens reiterated that piglet exports are not a short-term core focus currently. The company also noted that it currently has no plans to outsource breeding stock to contract pig farmers, citing the high value and technical complexity of managing breeding pigs, which it considers core assets.
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