South Australian beef export to the US is up more than 285 per cent in last year with $195.7 million of South Australian beef sold over the year to July, compared to $50.8 million in the 12 months prior, as local exporters seize on the opportunity created by American domestic supply issues.
Demand for South Australia’s bovine meat exports to the US have surpassed all other Australian states in terms of growth, with an increase of 285 per cent in the year ending July 2024, when compared to NSW – 103.5 per cent, WA – 64.9 per cent, VIC – 73.6 per cent, and QLD – 51.4 per cent.
South Australian Business Chamber Member Thomas Foods International joined forces with Food Comm in 2009 to create TFI USA, one of the first businesses in-market to supply high-quality chilled grass-fed beef to a national retailer. The business now distributes more than 45,000 tonnes of quality meat products a year.
Thomas Foods International, which employs almost 2,000 skilled workers here in South Australia, has a state-of-the-art meat processing facility located at Murray Bridge, which opened last year, and is a global showcase of advanced food manufacturing, setting the industry benchmark for technology, efficiency, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and workplace safety.
Darren Thomas, Managing Director of Thomas Foods Internal said, ‘The USA remains a critical market for Thomas Foods International, and our investment in that region reflects our long-term commitment to providing high-quality Australian beef and lamb to American consumers’.
‘Our ownership and operation of a large importing and further processing facility in Philadelphia complement our operations in South Australia, creating a seamless supply chain that meets the growing demand for premium Australian beef and lamb. This synergy not only strengthens our presence but also reinforces our commitment to excellence in beef and lamb exports from South Australia’.
‘While our success in the USA is significant, it is just one piece of our global strategy. We continue to focus on maintaining and expanding our export accreditations, particularly to key markets like China, ensuring that our products are recognised for their quality and value around the world. The economic impact of these exports is profound, driving growth and creating opportunities both directly and indirectly across South Australia for South Australians’.
Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs said ‘South Australia’s beef industry is a vital contributor to our state’s economic growth and is fundamental in the economic activity of our regions and seeing the year-on-year growth of our beef exports is fantastic for the South Australian beef industry.
‘We’ll continue to work closely with the industry to assist them with their efforts to attain access to new markets to further diversify’.
