Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) successfully hosted the "Advanced Packaging Technologies and Cold Chain Management in the Meat Supply Chain" conference, alongside the "Ultimate Red Meat Challenge" professional butchery competition, in Ho Chi Minh City on March 12 and in Hanoi on March 14.
The event brought together nearly 150 industry leaders, including top retailers, food importers, red meat professionals, and expert butchers from across Vietnam.
Group photo of attendees at the conference in Ho Chi Minh City
Insights from Industry Experts
Through insights from Australia’s leading red meat industry experts, the conference delivered in-depth knowledge and the latest updates on Australia’s comprehensive beef traceability system, cutting-edge packaging technology, and efficient cold chain management. These critical factors play a pivotal role in optimizing business operations and ensuring the highest quality Australian beef reaches Vietnamese consumers.
Mr. Spencer Whitaker, MLA’s Regional Market Development Director for Asia-Pacific, highlighted the integrity of Australia's traceability system, reinforcing the country’s commitment to quality and transparency in the Vietnamese market. “We have established a robust cold supply chain from Australia to Vietnam, and we continue to collaborate with Vietnamese businesses to enhance product quality, extend shelf life, and ensure that Vietnamese consumers always receive safe, high-quality beef from Australian farmers," he added.
Mr. Spencer Whitaker speaking at the event
Dr. Ian Jenson, Principal Advisor at FIRST Management, provided insights into cold supply chain management solutions and temperature data monitoring to ensure the freshness and quality of beef.
Dr. Ian Jenson presenting on cold chain management
Mr. Calvin Gung, Senior Technical Expert for Asia, introduced strategies for maximizing profitability by leveraging secondary beef cuts and optimizing retail meat displays to attract consumers.
Mr. Calvin Gung demonstrating secondary meat cut techniques
Ultimate Red Meat Challenge: A Stage for Excellence in Butchery
In addition to the conference discussions, the "Ultimate Red Meat Challenge" took place in Ho Chi Minh City (March 12) and Hanoi (March 14), creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere. After nearly three years of official operations in Vietnam, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has been providing technical support to retail partners and restaurant chains utilising Australian beef, fostering market development. The competition was launched to establish a professional platform and career advancement opportunity for butchers working in supermarkets, importers, and meat processing companies.
In the final results, AEON Vietnam was crowned champion of the competition in Ho Chi Minh City, while Dinh Phong secured the top spot in Hanoi. Participants highly valued the opportunity to refine their skills, foster community connections, and gain insights into international standards for beef processing.
AEON Vietnam team celebrating their win in Ho Chi Minh City
MLA - Driving the Growth of Vietnam’s Red Meat Sector
As a non-profit organization representing the Australian red meat industry, MLA is dedicated to promoting quality, setting industry benchmarks, and ensuring Australian beef is a trusted, transparent choice for Vietnamese consumers. This conference marks another milestone in strengthening consumer confidence and supporting Vietnamese businesses in achieving sustainable growth.
Looking ahead, the Australian Red Meat Conference 2025 will continue to serve as an essential forum for industry collaboration and knowledge-sharing, further contributing to the long-term development of Vietnam’s red meat sector.
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