Queensland is the undisputed beef production capital of Australia, and its influence is growing.
Queensland is home to almost half of Australia’s total beef cattle herd and accounts for the largest amount of red meat produced in Australia.
Not surprisingly, beef is Queensland’s largest agricultural industry, with gross production value estimated at $3.46 billion, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Meat processors in Brisbane have access to some of the world’s best grazing land and technology in breeding, feedlotting and processing. The industry is well supported by specialist food transport operations, and distribution costs from Brisbane can be as much as half compared with Sydney.
Companies operating in the Brisbane market include Australian Country Choice (ACC), Inghams, Primo Smallgoods and Swift Australia.
In Australia, the biggest players in meat processing include JBS Australia, with a 24.1 per cent share of the total market, followed by Teys Australia (with 15%) and Thomas Foods International Consolidated (7.1%).
JBS owns feedlots and meat processing facilities in Queensland and other parts of the country, and sells its products both in local retail markets and more than 50 countries, including the United States, Japan and China.
Teys Australia is the second largest meat processor and exporter in Australia and has several plants and two feedlot facilities in Queensland. The company’s market share has grown in the last five years, and it is now a dominant player in meat processing.
Thomas Foods operates two plants and exports to over 80 countries. It has a processing facility in Wallangarra, Queensland. Other key Australian meat players include NH Foods, Midfield Meat, and Fletcher International Exports.
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