Queensland beef exporter Kilcoy Global Foods has completed its build of Australia's first red meat innovation and learning Hub.
The project was made possible by Kilcoy Global Foods partnering with Meat & Livestock Australia and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation.
The industry-funded hub will deliver more efficient domestic meat production and product development, including ready-to-eat meals, keeping pace with changing consumer demands both here and overseas.
Kilcoy Global Foods launched the hub at Beef Australia 2021 in Rockhampton last week.
In congratulating the company, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Queensland is a natural choice for the hub, given the state's position as the leading Australian beef producer.
"The Queensland beef export industry is Australia's powerhouse – worth $5.8 billion last year alone," Mr Furner said.
"In the past twelve months, across many industries, we have seen how innovative Queenslanders are.
"And if you are going to create a centre like this, Queensland is the right place. Kilcoy Global Foods is Australia's largest premium beef processor. With extensive production, marketing, and sales capability. I have full confidence that they are the right company to drive this exciting initiative into the future."
Key export markets for Queensland beef in 2020 were:
- Japan (valued at $1.6 billion)
- Korea ($1.1 billion)
- China ($954 million)
- United States ($919 million).
Kilcoy Global Foods CEO Dean Goode said the hub, set to open in June, is located at the company's Sunshine Coast headquarters.
The site enables Kilcoy Global Foods to showcase its products across the whole supply chain. Incorporating a state-of-the-art theatre kitchen in the same building as three restaurant concepts and a deboning room on the first floor of an office building has been a challenging project.
The hub is an Australian first and now provides Kilcoy Global Foods and industry with a facility that allows it to take chefs, retailers, and international customers on an immersive food journey from paddock to plate.
The global beef trade was high on the agenda at Beef Australia 2021. Held every three years in Australia's beef capital, the national beef expo attracts decision-makers from across the industry and around the world to discuss all aspects of the beef supply chain.
The Queensland Government is one of four principal sponsors of the May 2 to May 8 event with Meat & Livestock Australia, Rockhampton Regional Council, and the Federal Government.
