With a strong focus on the needs of domestic and international beef end-users, the Australian Agricultural Company Limited was the recipient of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Value-Adding Award at last night’s 2005 Rabobank Agribusiness Awards for Excellence Ceremony in Melbourne.

“Innovative value-adding, driven by a clear understanding of consumer needs, is a critical part of our vision for a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector,” said Dr Peter O’Brien, RIRDC Managing Director. “The Australian Agricultural Company has demonstrated how integrating a strong customer focus into rural production can make this vision a reality, and we are delighted to present them with this award.”

“Value-adding plays an important role for our rural industries, maximising returns to Australian farmers and establishing long-term markets for our products,” Dr O’Brien said.

The Australian Agricultural Company Limited (AACo) is one of Australian largest landholders, with stewardship of 8 million hectares over 26 properties in northern Australia.

The company has shifted its focus from traditional commodity beef production – selling beef on a whole carcase basis – to providing market-specific products tailored to customer needs.

Their product range includes:

• Wagyu and shortfed beef cuts, as well as frozen take-home western style steak for the Korean market
• High marble score Wagyu for the 5-star hotel market in Hong Kong
• Specific Waggyu and shortfed cuts for the Japanese markets
• Developing new Wagyu and shortfed brands for US golf resort restaurants
• “1824” brand beef, aged for maximum tenderness, and named after the year the company was formed.

The Australian Agricultural Company’s value-adding success has been achieved through the implementation of innovation in production and marketing, and best practise in land management.

The other finalists for the RIRDC Value-Adding Award were Bayer Corp Science Pty Ltd,
B.—d. Farm Paris Creek Pty Ltd, Lobster Australia and Top Cut Foods.

RIRDC manages research and development investments for the Australian Government and rural industries. As the most diverse of the R&D Corporations, RIRDC invests in new rural industries, selected established industries and national rural issues.

ENDS

Media inquiries
RIRDC Martin Field – Media Manager: 02 6272 4735 or 0418 430 760
Australian Agricultural Company Limited (AACo) Don Mackay – CEO: 07 3368 4400