SA company Thomas Foods lands $60m deal to export red meat to China

A local business has risen from the ashes to sign a huge deal to boost trade between SA and the nation’s biggest export market.

Local meat exporter Thomas Foods International has signed a $60m deal with a major Chinese distributor, further strengthening the trade relationship between Australia and China.

Thomas Foods has committed to exporting $30m worth of red meat by the end of 2024, expected to increase to $60m annually.

After losing its Murray Bridge production facility to a fire in 2018, the company has since rebuilt the site into a state-of-the-art beef processing facility, designed to export chilled and frozen red meat.

Thomas Foods chief executive Tony Stewart said the facility would set a new standard and the export deal with China would be “transformative for the Australian red meat industry.

“For South Australia, it would provide a significant boost in trade, job creation and overall economic prosperity,” Mr Stewart said.

Thomas Foods International’s Murray Bridge production facility to a fire in 2018. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

Thomas Food International chief executive officer Anthony Stewart.

China is South Australia’s largest export market and continues to be the top export destination for merchandise, according to Trade Minister Nick Champion.

“(It was) up 48 per cent for the year ending July 2023 to $2.8bn,” Mr Champion said.

“This latest agreement highlights the work that is being done at both a government and industry level to strengthen these ties.

“I congratulate Thomas Foods International on the work it continues to undertake to ensure this relationship is not only maintained but thrives – as more South Australian businesses seek to leverage off these trading opportunities.”