An international spotlight was shone on Queensland beef last month as ambassadors from around the world delved into Queensland beef and cattle production from paddock to plate.
The ambassadors form part of the ground-breaking Aussie Beef Mates program, with 25 delegates embarking on this Australian beef journey, making it the largest delegation of this kind.
Organised by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), in strategic partnership with Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), the Aussie Beef Mates delegation ran from 3 October to 12 October.
The delegation included globally-acclaimed chefs and food professionals representing 15 nations, with the group being treated to a showcase of unique beef production spanning from the Atherton Tablelands, through to Charter Towers and south east Queensland.
The group visited beef properties, feedlots, state-of-the-art processing facilities and top-tier restaurants.
Additionally, they engaged in an Australian beef masterclass session where they delved into an array of captivating topics such as food safety programs and integrity systems, beef cooking inspiration and product showcase.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said as the state’s largest agricultural export, beef was a cornerstone of the Queensland economy.
“Queensland’s beef export industry is valued at $7.1 billion, with product regularly consumed in more than 60 countries around the world,” he said.
“Queensland has the best farmers and beef producers in the world, who have forged a global reputation for quality.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delighted to partner with MLA in order to ensure these proud Queensland businesses have even greater access to existing and emerging international markets.”
MLA global business manager Josh Anderson said Queensland beef was globally celebrated for its exceptional quality and the industry’s unwavering commitment to safe and sustainable production.
“Through the Aussie Beef Mates program, international chefs and food experts gain deep insights into Australian beef production, empowering them to share this compelling story within their global networks,“ he said.
“This ignites international demand for our premium product.
“There’s no better way to embrace the essence of the Australian beef industry than by immersing our Aussie Beef Mates in the company of passionate Queensland producers and seeing first-hand the care and commitment that goes into producing this world-renowned beef.“
Throughout the week, the Aussie Beef Mates shared ideas on innovative beef uses and networked with stakeholders within the supply chain.
Importantly, they learnt from each other as they created beef dishes inspired by regional flavours.
One of the Aussie Beef Mates is Korean chef Shinae Hong, a top chef who frequently hosts famous cooking programs, sharing the screen with A-list celebrities.
Ms Hong’s connection with Australian beef began in 2016 when she visited Australia while shooting “Wednesday Gourmet”, a popular Korean cooking program.
While here, she was impressed by Australia’s beef industry and its treatment of livestock.
“Australia’s approach to animal welfare really made an impression on me,” she said.
“The efforts for ensuring animal welfare – from grazing to slaughter – was a testament to the industry’s professionalism and their appreciation for the craft.
“It was great to see such a commitment to sustainable livestock farming.
“In a world full of health trends, I believe that the healthiest food still comes from nature.
“Keeping in line with that, Australian beef’s commitment to bringing nature into its business through practices such as open pasture grazing and healthy feed is what makes Australian Beef really stand out.
“I am delighted to have been selected as an official Australian Beef Mate and look forward to being a part of this year’s visiting team as a representative of Korea.
“Australian beef has always stood for quality and I’m excited to cook up new ways to share it with more kitchens around the world.”
The Aussie Beef Mates delegation 2023 is a testament to MLA’s commitment to promoting Australian beef on the global stage and the Queensland Government’s support of the local industry.
Through this program, MLA and TIQ hope to continue to strengthen relationships with key international markets and to drive demand for Australian beef.
The delegation to Queensland included Aussie Beef Mates from mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Mexico and the United States.
