December 12, 2007

Australian livestock industry raises profile for Beijing Olympics
 

Meat & Livestock Australia presented its meat quality to Chinese representatives at a 2008 Beijing Olympic Games lead-up event.

Australian livestock industry was the only food organization invited in the event hosted by China Cuisine Association.

The China Cuisine Association will facilitate the food supply requirements for next year's Olympic Games in China.

Held at Beijing's Great Hall of the People's Republic of China, about 200 of China's most influential government officials, food industry representatives and media attended the ceremony.

Dr. Peter Hewitt from the Australian Embassy in Beijing presented on MLA's behalf. He assured the attendees of the safety and quality attributes of Australian beef and lamb and reinforced Australia's commitment to forging long-standing relationships with the Chinese food industry.

MLA sponsored a tasting event following the official ceremony, at which Australian beef and lamb was served to officials from the Beijing Olympic Committee and Olympic Games food service suppliers.

The Beijing Olympic Committee is currently finalising the food supply arrangements for the Beijing Olympics, which are being held in August 2008.

MLA opened a regional office in Beijing in April 2005 as part of its efforts to grow sales in the expanding China market.

Australia has so far this year exported 2,000 tonnes of beef and 13,137 tonnes of lamb to China. In 2006 Australia exported a total of 850 tonnes of beef and 11,772 tonnes of lamb to China.