MLA conducted an online survey of 800 affluent Chinese consumers and found that home isolation had driven shifts in consumer attitudes and behaviours towards meat.

The research found that 43 per cent purchased more Australian beef during the crisis, and many Chinese families with children and those under 30 indicated that they intend to buy more Australian beef after the crisis ends.

Up to 79 per cent of Chinese consumers had increased their home cooking habits, and 32 per cent reported eating more beef as opposed to pork, poultry and fish.

This rise was associated with an intentional country of original purchase.

It is also connected to increased appreciation for the safety and quality of the meat, as well as a greater appreciation for health and immunity of family post Covid-19.

MLA said that while affluent and well-educated consumers were found to give priority to beef due to their understanding of its higher nutritional value, lamb was also highlighted as a meat that could deliver nutritional benefits.

The research also found that shopping at wet markets is also in decline, due to its associations with the Covid-19 outbreak, which could "potentially accelerate the growing preference for meat shopping at modern retail stores".

MLA said affluent Chinese households earning more than $35,000 will be more than $45 million, with protein demand to remain strong.