Elders deepens Chinese relations through premium beef, real estate

With the continuously growing demand for higher-end commodities in China and the strict quality standards across industries in Australia, the free trade agreement between the two countries slated to commence this year will only serve to take their trade relations to new heights. As one of the oldest agricultural business firms in Australia, Elders is primed to satisfy China's robust appetite for fine food, particularly choice cut meats and dairy.

"The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) drives our opportunity to expand our business in China. We've equipped ourselves with extra shipping capacity that will come into place next year," says managing director and CEO Mark Allison.

Elders is a homegrown pure play agribusiness that offers farmers access to retail inputs, wool, livestock, grain and real estate agency, banking, insurance and financial planning services, feed and processing for red meat, and live export services. The company specialises in rural services, helping farmers in Australia and New Zealand maximise the capacity of their farms. 

Celebrating its 175th anniversary last year, Elders' lengthy track record in the industry gives depth to its knowledge of the Australian market. The company is also well-versed in international trends to provide farmers with up-to-date information on global agriculture. 

"The Elders brand is one of the most recognised Australian brands. It is a heritage brand that stands for quality and long-term partnerships," Allison says. 

Elders supports rural services outside its home market, and with China being among the world's biggest livestock producers and consumers, the country is a prime target for the company. It established Elders China in Shanghai in 2004, followed by another office in Beijing. The company has since expanded its business on the mainland, with purpose-built warehouses in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Sanya.