Protein producer JBS Global (UK) teamed up with Australian-British chef and TV presenter, John Torode MBE to host a 'Taste of Australia' event at Butchers' Hall in Farringdon, London.
In celebration of the one year anniversary of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, acclaimed Aussie chef John Torode showcased Australian beef and lamb from JBS product ranges, including Great Southern, Great Southern Pinnacle, Little Joe, Red Gum Creek, Queenslander Beef and Aberdeen Black.
More than 100 guests attended, with JBS stating that it was "the first time anyone in the UK has had the opportunity to see and taste all the products in one evening".
Beef dishes served on the night included Great Southern Beef brisket pastrami, Queenslander Beef fillet carpaccio, Japanese style beef, as well as some Aberdeen Black ribeye (marble score 3+) and Great Southern Pinnacle T-bone (marble score 2+). Lamb dishes included Great Southern Lamb fillet Thai salad and roasted Red Gum Creek Lamb rump with minted béarnaise.
Credited as one of the "main players" in introducing Australasian to the UK in the mid 1990s, guests heard from John Torode about the food synergy between the UK and Australia.
"The Free Trade Agreement has cemented the ties between Australia and Great Britain, and the food synergy the two countries share is quite inspiring."
Talking about the event, John Torode said: “It’s great to be involved with the team at JBS Global, showcasing top Australian beef and lamb to a wider audience here in the UK. Once again, the Free Trade Agreement has cemented the ties between Australia and Great Britain, and the food synergy the two countries share is quite inspiring.
“Working with the fabulous high quality Australian beef and lamb that JBS produces and is now importing to the UK market made this an exciting project as I love people to share, learn and enjoy foods of quality from around the world.
“It's something I am passionate about - creating dishes that enhance and complement these fab Australian meat cuts with their global origins. It's such a pleasure that so many more people can taste it for themselves.”
Cementing Australia-UK trading history
JBS described the introduction of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement in June 2023 as a "significant step" for the two countries, and said it "cemented a 200-year trading history, particularly for agricultural products where British and Australian values align and are shared".
The producer has multiple production sites in Australia, where farmers produce directly for JBS programmes. The company has been importing Australian beef and lamb to the UK for 15 years.
Commenting on the last year, Nick Sherwood, managing director, JBS Global (UK) Ltd said: “The development of JBS’ Australian beef and lamb to the UK has evolved over the past 15 years, with brand and product development key to delivering UK clients the right meat, at the right time, with the right quality attributes.”
“The development of JBS’ Australian beef and lamb to the UK has evolved over the past 15 years."
Sam McConnell, chief operating officer for JBS Australia, said: "We have always maintained a strong presence in the UK, despite the market access restrictions that were present prior to the FTA.
“Our product mix and client base in the UK was, and continues to be, a complementary fit to our other global markets. Now one year on from the FTA entering into force, we are delighted to have been able to broaden our product offer and range to the valued clients Nick and his team have worked with for many years."
McConnell continued: “JBS Australia has worked closely with farmer producers to develop and enhance sustainable agriculture in Australia, with high animal welfare and land management at its heart. We have developed the largest independently verified farm assurance scheme in Australia, for both beef and lamb. Our latest sustainability initiatives with farmer producers are focusing on regenerative agriculture and paddock-to-plate practices to ensure consumers have confidence in the protein they are eating.
“We are really excited about the future between Australia and the UK and believe we are just at the start of a long and rewarding journey for all partners in the chain.”
