Aussie Beef Mates set to boost international appetite for Australian beef

Australian beef will take centre stage over the next week as international chefs converge on Sydney and regional NSW as part of the inaugural Aussie Beef Mates delegation between 28 May – 2 June.

Organised by MLA in collaboration with Investment NSW, the delegation will immerse the visitors in the Australian beef industry from paddock-to-plate.

What’s happening?

During this visit, 16 chefs and food professionals (the ‘Aussie Beef Mates’) will visit NSW from countries including:

• China
• Japan
• Korea
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Middle East
• Vietnam
• United Kingdom
• United States of America.

The jam-packed week will see the Beef Mates visit farms, processing plants and restaurants in the state’s Northern Rivers region, before heading to Sydney to participate in an Australian beef masterclass. Here, they’ll explore topics including butchery, Meat Standards Australia, food safety, integrity systems, and much more.

Throughout the week, the Aussie Beef Mates will also share ideas on innovative beef uses and network with stakeholders within the supply chain. Importantly, they will learn from each other as they create beef dishes inspired by regional flavours.

Chef Roy Villacrusis is from Asiatic Culinary Services in the United States. He’s been working with MLA for the last decade, learning about Australian grassfed beef and lamb and their versatile applications.

“I am now an official Aussie Beef Mate and am super excited to be part of the delegation for this year’s trip to Australia,” Roy said.

“I can’t wait to have a hands-on experience and learn more about how these amazing animals are cared for and prepared for shipping to our kitchens across the world.

“These products have been a great compliment to my style of cooking (Asiatic Cuisine). I can’t wait to learn more about how Australian beef got to this level of consistency and how the industry will continue to pursue its goal of carbon neutrality in the next few years.”

How the delegation will drive global demand for Australian beef

MLA’s Global Business Manager, Josh Anderson, said Australian beef is enjoyed in over 100 countries around the world and is renowned for being a high quality, sustainable product.

“Through the Aussie Beef Mates program, international chefs and food professionals learn Australian beef’s story and share it with their global network, driving international demand for our premium product,” Josh said.

“There’s no better way to learn about the industry than by spending time with producers and food professionals that are passionate about Australian beef.

“The program also leverages off the global recognition of Sydney and NSW, helping to shine a spotlight on our agricultural, food production, and trade and investment sectors,” Josh said.

Following the event, MLA’s International Marketing team will launch several global activations with the Aussie Beef Mates, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and influence within their network to promote Australian beef and NSW produce.

Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong, said the Aussie Beef Mates program gives the Minns Government a chance to help sell Australia’s world-class products to the world. 

“We look forward to supporting this important initiative and highlighting the fantastic beef products that NSW has to offer,” Mr Chanthivong said.

The Aussie Beef Mates delegation 2023 is a testament to MLA's commitment to promoting Australian beef on the global stage, and the NSW Government's support of the local industry.