Published Thursday, 10 May, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
KOREAN BEEF BUYERS MEET WITH LOCAL INDUSTRY IN BRISBANE
Queensland beef producers stand to benefit significantly from a visit by delegates representing South Korea's largest importer of beef and Korean supermarket giant E-Mart.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the visit was a vote of confidence in Queensland’s superior beef product.
“The delegation will be meeting (tomorrow) with senior officers from my Department and local industry representatives at State Parliament to discuss the continued supply of Queensland beef to the Korean market,” he said.
“Last year Queensland exported approximately 83,000 tonnes of beef and veal to South Korea with a value of $389 million.
“Tomorrow’s meeting will also be a celebration of the upcoming promotion of the iconic AAco brand of Darling Downs Wagyu Beef within the 106 E- Mart supermarkets in South Korea.
“Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (AAco), Australia’s largest beef producer is based in Queensland.
“Our local product will be competing directly with imported American beef, which is resuming supply after a three and half year stoppage.
“I am confident our beef will stand up very well against the alternative American product.
“AAco’s Wagyu business has developed a strong importation trade with its South Korean business partners E-Mart over the past six years and over the past two years has doubled sales growth.
“This is testament to Queensland’s superior quality, service, and unparalleled traceability and food safety standards.
“I welcome the South Korean delegates and wish them a very successful visit to Queensland.”
The Minister will be represented at the meeting by Parliamentary Secretary for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations and Member for Greenslopes Gary Fenlon.
Media:
Minister’s office: 32396530;
Australian Agricultural Company Ltd Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Don Mackay 33684403.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the visit was a vote of confidence in Queensland’s superior beef product.
“The delegation will be meeting (tomorrow) with senior officers from my Department and local industry representatives at State Parliament to discuss the continued supply of Queensland beef to the Korean market,” he said.
“Last year Queensland exported approximately 83,000 tonnes of beef and veal to South Korea with a value of $389 million.
“Tomorrow’s meeting will also be a celebration of the upcoming promotion of the iconic AAco brand of Darling Downs Wagyu Beef within the 106 E- Mart supermarkets in South Korea.
“Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (AAco), Australia’s largest beef producer is based in Queensland.
“Our local product will be competing directly with imported American beef, which is resuming supply after a three and half year stoppage.
“I am confident our beef will stand up very well against the alternative American product.
“AAco’s Wagyu business has developed a strong importation trade with its South Korean business partners E-Mart over the past six years and over the past two years has doubled sales growth.
“This is testament to Queensland’s superior quality, service, and unparalleled traceability and food safety standards.
“I welcome the South Korean delegates and wish them a very successful visit to Queensland.”
The Minister will be represented at the meeting by Parliamentary Secretary for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations and Member for Greenslopes Gary Fenlon.
Media:
Minister’s office: 32396530;
Australian Agricultural Company Ltd Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Don Mackay 33684403.