Marbling grades: MB, A5 and what we carry
Two grading systems turn up on the same catalogue page, which is why a cut can read MB 8+ and another A5. They measure related things in different ways.
What does MB mean?
MB is the marbling score used for Australian beef under the AUS-MEAT language — a visual assessment of intramuscular fat in the ribeye, rising with the amount of marbling. Australian full-blood wagyu is listed at MB 8+; Black Angus typically sits lower on the same scale.
What does A5 mean, and is it the same scale?
No. A5 is the Japanese grade: the letter is the yield grade, from A to C, and the number is the meat quality grade, from 1 to 5. A5 is the highest combination. Within it, marbling is described separately by a BMS number — the Japanese A5 wagyu listed here falls at MB 10–12 on that finer scale.
Which grades does Suma Gourmet carry?
The public catalogue currently spans MB 2 to MB 12 and Japanese A5. Each product card carries its own grade alongside origin, cut and format, and the grade is visible without signing in.
What if the grade I order is out of stock?
A substitute is offered at the same marbling grade and brand where possible, or at the next higher grade if an exact match is not available — never lower. The substitute is invoiced at its own price.
Something here not answered? Write to sales@sumagourmet.com or request trade access.