Australian T&R Pastoral look global with acquisitions

One of southern Australia's largest red meat processors T&R Pastoral has expanded onto the global stage, by buying half of US export company Foodcomm International.

The 50% acquisition of the US-based export company is a big move into the US market.

T&R, based at Murray Bridge, has expanded four-fold in the past decade, and will become an even larger player in the meat processing sector. The meat processor currently processes 14,500 sheep and lambs and 800 cattle daily.

"By taking greater control of our product and working (more closely) with the end users we aim to increase our market share in North America," T&R Pastoral chief executive Darren Thomas said.

Foodcomm International has been one of the largest importers of Australian boxed beef and lamb - as well as mutton and goat - into North America for more than 20 years. T&R Pastoral has two major abattoirs in South Australia and future plans for a third in Western Australia. Foodcomm International has distribution facilities across North America.