The Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier of Queensland, Media Release, 9 November 2023

The best of Queensland beef has been showcased in Shanghai at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s largest import trade fair.

Choice cuts were prepared for canapes, sirloin beef rolls and mini wagyu burgers by world class chefs for close to 80 guests, many who are attending CIIE as Queensland delegates and exhibitors as part of the state’s largest business mission to China.

The Premier is joined in Shanghai by Queensland beef producers and exhibitors, including:

• Australian Country Choice
• Meat & Livestock Australia
• Austrex
• King River Ag
• Paradigm Foods
• Queensland Food Corporation

Beef is the state’s largest agricultural export, contributing $7.1 billion dollars to the economy, with product being exported to more than 60 countries.

Queensland is known internationally for its commitment to quality, security and sustainability, which is upheld through best practice management, strict biosecurity measures and continuous agricultural innovations and research.

Queensland beef and a range of premium food products were showcased at the Taste of Queensland Reception, hosted by Trade and Investment Queensland.

China is an important market for Australian beef and is Queensland’s largest goods export market for the 12 months to September 2023, valued at $23.7 billion.

The reception followed a meeting between the Premier and Shanghai Mayor His Excellency GONG Zheng and Vice Mayor His Excellency HUA Yuan.

The Premier used the meeting to discuss the successful sister-state relationship between Queensland and Shanghai and reinforce the government’s commitment to growing trade and investment with China.

Quotes attributed to the Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“Queensland is home to exceptional quality beef products which the world is increasingly discovering.  

“I’m proud that Queensland produce, along with other superior food and beverage products, is firmly in the spotlight today in Shanghai.

“It’s no surprise that Queensland products receive considerable attention internationally, including here in China.

“The easing of trade restrictions has seen Queensland’s goods export market to China rise by 35 per cent in the last 12 months, so it’s mutually beneficial for further stabilisation in this space.

“I’m confident that over the coming years the demand in China will only continue to increase.”

Quotes attributable to Toowoomba based Mort & Co CEO Stephen O’Brien:

“China’s direct chilled beef imports have increased dramatically in the past decade, with Australia supplying the vast majority.

“We know the demand will continue to grow, and Australia is well placed to deal with growing competition in this market.

“The support from the Queensland Government and Trade Investment Queensland helps us to open new opportunities and remove current barriers to ensure China remains one of Australia’s largest chilled beef export markets.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Country Choice CEO, Anthony Lee:

 “Queensland is Australia’s cattle powerhouse.

“Queensland excels in growing, value-adding and delivering world’s-best food and fibre to the global marketplace.”

“Australian Country Choice employs up to 1200 Queenslanders across its extensive agribusiness operations: running up to 300,000 head of cattle on 42 properties totalling more than 1.6m ha, including three feedlots with a capacity of 55,000 cattle.”

Quotes attributable to Meat and Livestock Australia Managing Director Jason Strong:

“Showcasing the very best of Queensland’s beef is a priority for MLA and a perfect example of this was the recent Aussie Beef Mates partnership with Trade and Investment Queensland. 

“Through the Aussie Beef Mates program, international chefs and food experts came to Queensland and gained deep insights into Australian beef production, empowering them to share this great story with their global networks. 

“For the chefs that attended, there was no better way for them to embrace the essence of the Australian beef industry than by immersing themselves in the company of passionate Queensland producers and seeing firsthand the care and commitment that goes into producing this world-renowned beef.”

Further information:

• China is Queensland’s largest goods export market for the 12 months to September 2023, valued at $23.7 billion.
• In 2022–23, Queensland’s top goods export commodities to China were metalliferous ores ($2.3 billion), non-ferrous metals ($1.6 billion), coal ($1.5 billion) and cereals ($1.1 billion).
• Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is the Queensland government’s dedicated global business agency, with 18 international offices in 14 key markets plus a regional network of eight offices and Brisbane headquarters.
• Rhett Miller is Queensland’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Greater China based in Shanghai.
• In addition to Shanghai, TIQ has offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. For more information go to TIQ – Our Global representation – China.