Angus beef finds Middle East market

This month TFI sent its first shipment of Certified Australian Angus Beef branded meat to Egypt and the Middle East.

The new export orders come in the same month TFI took over the exclusive licence for the CAAB brand, as well as the Angus Pure and Natural beef brand, under a deal earlier signed with industry organisation Certified Angus Group.

TFIl has received export orders for high value CAAB-branded and packaged loin cuts to supply various five-star hotels in Egypt, while containers of secondary cuts are also being sent to the Middle East for retail distribution.

TFI chief executive officer Darren Thomas said Egypt is an emerging market for Australian Angus beef.

“Our sample trials were well received which led to this first export order,” he said.

“It’s pleasing to know more Angus beef will now be on the menus of top restaurants across the country.

“Similarly, we’ve managed to open new retail sales channels throughout the Middle East for a range of Angus secondary cuts.

“We took over this licence as we saw enormous potential to build on two great brands and expand the national and international market for Angus beef.

“The initial response has been extremely positive and allowed us to hit the ground running.

“We expect sales to continue to rise particularly across the United States, Europe and Asia as well as our own national market in Australia.”

TFI has been able to leverage its long association with Angus beef as well as its established markets and distribution networks to open new sales avenues.

“We’re confident of increasing our throughput of premium Angus beef four-fold over the first 12 months alone under the arrangement with CAG,” Mr Thomas said.

“Thomas Foods International has the state-of-the-art processing facilities in place to meet the market’s growing appetite for Angus beef.

“We’ve continued to invest in our capacity, most recently installing additional chillers at Murray Bridge.”