MLA Program Manager – Meat Standards Australia David Packer presenting
MLA Greater China’s triple event treat
Aussie Red Meat Seminars
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) China hosted two ‘Aussie Red Meat Seminars’ in Xiamen on September 15 and another in Beijing on September 17 and were delighted to welcome two distinguished guests. MLA Program Manager − Meat Standards Australia (MSA) David Packer explained Australia’s meat grading standards − helping the audience to better understand the quality of Australian beef and lamb.
Rafael Ramirez conducting on-stage butchering demonstrations
Rafael Ramirez − a meat specialist with 35 years of experience – conducted on-stage butchering demonstrations of whole Australian lamb carcases and chilled Australian beef chunk rolls. These demonstrations showcased the unique characteristics and diverse applications of different cuts.
China International Import Expo
During the 8th 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE), MLA joined Austrade at a kitchen booth where delicacies made from Australian lamb and beef were prepared and served to grateful attendees. Sixteen beef and lamb exporters participated in this exhibition, showcasing the Australian supply of chilled meat products and high-standard quality control systems.
The Hon Don Farrell, Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism cooking in the MLA kitchen
On the expo’s opening day, the Hon Don Farrell, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, visited the MLA Kitchen. He teamed up with MLA’s Senior Technical Specialist – International Markets Calvin Gung to create two dishes. When western ingredients meet Chinese cooking, every bite is a delicious cross-cultural collision and this won high praise from the Minister.
MLA Senior Technical Specialist – International Markets Calvin Gung and MLA Business Development Manager − Hong Kong Oscar Ling carving a lamb carcase
MLA Senior Technical Specialist – International Markets Calvin Gung and MLA Business Development Manager – Hong Long Oscar Ling demonstrated a live lamb carcase carving. Their skilled techniques and detailed explanations on meat characteristics and cooking methods deepened the audience’s understanding of Australian lamb’s quality.
Several Key Opinion Leaders (KOL)/influencers came to the booth to livestream. Additionally, the popular Australian Firefighters Team made a surprise appearance − endorsing Australian beef and lamb as a high-protein, low-burden diet staple. Their interaction with the audience made the booth one of the favorites throughout the expo.
FHC Aussie Meat Butchers Challenge
MLA China successfully hosted the second Aussie Meat Butchers Challenge. This year’s event saw a significant upgrade in standards. Four teams from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia joined the competition – competing against participants from Mainland China − to showcase the art of red meat butchering. The event was a successful collaboration between the Chinese and Australian red meat industries.
A display showing a diverse range of Australian red meat dishes
Notably, investment and trade departments from various Australian states, as well as retail and e-commerce brands, participated as award sponsors − adding extra value to the challenge.
With a larger venue, the event featured a two-and-a-half-day live broadcast. The on-site audience, who were mostly industry professionals, expressed strong enthusiasm for participation in next year’s event.
