In an attempt to reduce its reliance on the Indonesian market, the Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC) is this year increasing its beef sales to China.
After selling 450 tonnes of boxed beef to China last year as part of a trial, the company – the second biggest cattle company in Australia – is this year aiming to up exports to 3,000 tonnes.
According to ABC Rural, the focus on China is part of an effort to see the company establish close working relationships with a number of different markets.
CEO of Consolidated Pastoral Company, Fergal Leamy, said "At CPC we were reliant on the Indonesian market and what we'd like to do over the next five years, is to have five or six markets that have equal weight.
"In Asia there are a number of markets we are targeting, but China is a little further ahead for us in terms of development."
Leamy said there are big opportunities in China, with the price of beef in China now, for the first time, ahead of the price in Australia.
CPC is also working with a joint venture to establish a local boning facility.