AuctionsPlus had the pleasure of meeting the Aussie Beef Mates delegates at the final event of the tour, held at the new MLA kitchen. Stay tuned to our socials for full interviews with the chefs.
Sixteen internationally acclaimed chefs, food professionals and influencers toured Australia last week as part of an immersive initiative aimed at promoting Australian beef to the world.
Hailing from 12 countries, the delegation was part of Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) Aussie Beef Mates program, which connects international advocates with Australian producers to boost global awareness and demand for premium Aussie beef.
Over the course of the week-long tour, the group visited leading farms, feedlots and processing facilities across New South Wales, including Mackas Angus at Gloucester and Gilmandyke Angus in Orange. The goal was to offer a first-hand look at Australia’s world-class beef production systems, animal welfare standards and sustainability credentials.
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The program, organised by MLA in strategic partnership with Investment NSW, ran from May 27 to June 3. Throughout the tour, the group engaged with NSW producers, chefs, butchers and food industry leaders, gaining valuable insights into the full paddock-to-plate journey.
AuctionsPlus had the pleasure of meeting the Aussie Beef Mates delegates at the final event of the tour, held at the new MLA kitchen. Stay tuned to our socials for full interviews with the chefs.
As part of the culinary component, the delegation collaborated with local wineries, restaurants and pubs to explore innovative ways of showcasing Australian beef on menus around the world.
MLA General Manager of International Markets, Andrew Cox, said the tour would help position the chefs and influencers as informed global ambassadors for Australian beef.
“Bringing these creative and skilled professionals to Australia to engage directly with primary producers creates a powerful marketing tool,” Mr Cox said.
“The aim is to create a group of educated ambassadors who can use their firsthand experience in their own businesses and to educate others in their home countries.”
The experience culminated in the Aussie Beef Mates Networking Event, where NSW Government officials, exporters, food service leaders and producers came together to celebrate the delegation’s journey and foster further collaboration.
Managing Director Mick Crowley officially welcomed the group.
“We're in a really interesting time in our industry, with 2025 shaping up to be another record year for production,” Mr Crowley said.
“But we do that with high quality, safety and really high standards in how we produce and export our products.”
Mr Crowley acknowledged the current disruptions in global trade, highlighting the importance of reinforcing partnerships with both domestic and international customers.
“We value our long-standing relationships with our major markets around the world. We’ve got strong global market access, and equally strong partnerships that help promote the safety, quality and sustainability of Australian beef,” he said.
Investment NSW Executive Director Karla Lampe said the program aligned with the NSW Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which aims to support product and market diversification.
“NSW is highly regarded on the world stage for its exceptional produce and robust safety standards, making us an ideal market to source quality food,” Ms Lampe said.
“Beef exports from NSW totalled $2.2 billion in 2023–24 and we’re determined to ensure that continues to grow. Programs like Aussie Beef Mates help amplify the incredible work of our regional beef producers.”
As the 2025 delegation wrapped up, the participants will return to their home countries armed with new knowledge, creative inspiration and a deeper appreciation for Australian beef. They are now set to share that story with their own audiences—helping to strengthen Australia’s global reputation as a trusted source of high-quality red meat.
