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South Australia has seized the opportunity of a US beef supply short to increase US beef exports by 285 per cent to $195.7 million in the past 12 months.
Reports from the South Australian Government showed that the export growth outpaced all other states and was almost three times that of NSW.
During the same period, South Australia more than doubled its share of Australia’s beef export market to the US, exporting $407.8 million of beef to all markets.
The US is South Australia’s second largest commodity export market, valued at more than $2 billion.
“The beef industry is fundamental to our state’s economic activity, and its large exports to markets such as the US and year-on-year growth are both a recognition of its credentials and an opportunity. We will continue to work closely with the industry to assist their efforts to enter new markets and further diversify,” said Joe Szakacs.
In 2009, local company Thomas Foods International joined forces with Food Comm in Philadelphia to create TFI USA. This would become one of the first companies to supply premium chilled grass-fed beef to retailers nationwide.
The company’s state-of-the-art meat processing plant in Murray Bridge will work in tandem with the Philadelphia business to ensure the quality and demand of South Australian beef and lamb exports.
Managing director of Thomas Foods International, Darren Thomas, said the US remains a critical market.
“We continue to focus on global strategic development, especially in key markets such as China. The economic impact of these exports is far-reaching, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for South Australians directly and indirectly,” said Thomas.
