Twenty-one of the world's leading chefs, food professionals and food influencers have arrived in Victoria for an immersive eight-day tour from 26 August to 2 September, designed to strengthen global demand for premium Australian beef.
Representing key export markets across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, the United States, Greater China, Korea and Japan, the delegation will gain unprecedented access to Victoria's world-class beef industry, meeting producers, processors, butchers and chefs while exploring the journey of Australian beef from paddock to plate.
The visit forms part of Meat & Livestock Australia's (MLA) flagship Aussie Beef Mates program, which brings together international advocates to build awareness, appreciation and demand for premium Australian beef in key export markets.
Delivered in partnership with Global Victoria, the week-long delegation will provide participants with a firsthand look at Victoria's world-class beef industry, connecting them with producers, processors, butchers, chefs and industry experts from across the supply chain.
Throughout the week, delegates will visit Victorian beef properties and participate in immersive supply chain experiences showcasing Australia's production systems, animal welfare practices, sustainability credentials and quality assurance standards.
As part of the delegation, participants will attend specialised Aussie Meat Academy sessions delivered by MLA experts, alongside hands-on butchery and culinary experiences that explore Australian beef cuts, eating quality attributes and menu applications.
The program aims to deepen delegates' understanding of Australia's beef industry while creating a network of influential ambassadors who can share their experiences and champion Australian beef in their home markets.
MLA General Manager International Markets, Andrew Cox, said the delegation provides an opportunity to connect some of Australia's most influential foodservice advocates directly with the people behind Australian beef.
"Aussie Beef Mates is about creating lifelong advocates for Australian beef by giving delegates a firsthand understanding of the care, expertise and innovation that exists throughout our supply chain," Mr Cox said.
"These chefs and food professionals have significant influence in their respective markets. By connecting them directly with our producers, processors and industry experts, we're helping build a deeper appreciation for the quality, consistency and integrity that make Australian beef sought after around the world."
"The strength of Aussie Beef Mates lies in the relationships that continue long after the delegation concludes. We've built a global network of close to 100 chefs, food professionals and influencers who have experienced Australia's beef industry firsthand and use that knowledge to promote Australian beef in their home markets."
"Victoria's diverse beef industry and renowned food culture make it an ideal setting for this year's program. From Gippsland's cattle country to Melbourne's vibrant food scene, delegates will experience firsthand how Australian beef is produced, processed and ultimately showcased on menus around the world."
Victorian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Natalie Suleyman, said Victoria is an exports powerhouse with trade a key driver of the state's economic growth.
"There is a reason Victoria's beef industry attracts strong global demand – it's world-class. Connecting our leading exporters with buyers from key markets helps them reach their global potential.
"We will continue to back our food and fibre exporters to ensure our gold-standard products can be enjoyed by consumers right across the globe."
Through Aussie Beef Mates, MLA and Global Victoria continue to build relationships with key global markets while supporting demand for Australian beef and showcasing the industry's commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation.
To view all Aussie Beef Mates' profiles, visit: ABM Chef profiles
