Alliance Group has strengthened its foothold in the premium chilled beef sector, following approval for two of its processing plants to export to China.
The company’s Levin and Mataura plants have received certification to process and export chilled beef to China, a move that bolsters Alliance’s ability to meet growing international demand.
“This is not only an excellent outcome for the important China market, but it also strengthens our global options,” said Wayne Shaw, General Manager of Safety and Processing at Alliance Group.
The company has already made significant progress, successfully shipping its first load of chilled beef from the Levin plant, which cleared Chinese customs in early January. A second shipment from Mataura has now also arrived in China, expanding the co-operative’s presence in the high-value beef segment.
“China remains a significant market for New Zealand red meat, with strong demand for high-quality, grass-fed beef,” Shaw said.
He added that the approval of additional processing plants enhances the company’s supply chain flexibility and allows Alliance to optimise processing capacity across its network. This, in turn, benefits both farmer shareholders and customers.
The expansion aligns with Alliance Group’s long-term beef strategy, Shaw confirmed.
“We’re continuing to invest in expanding our beef processing capabilities, including at our Levin plant, and driving growth in our premium beef brands,” he said.
The announcement further cements Alliance Group’s position in the global red meat industry, with China continuing to play a vital role in its international trade strategy.