The event brought together nearly 150 industry leaders, including top retailers, food importers, red meat professionals, and expert butchers from across Vietnam.

Australian red meat conference introduces advanced packaging and cold chain management technologies to Vietnamese businesses.
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.
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.

Spencer Whitaker, representative of Meat & Livestock Australia, provided an update on the integrity of the traceability system.
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.

Ian Jenson shared insights on optimizing the efficiency of cold supply chain operations.
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.

Calvin Gung provided training for technicians on secondary meat cuts and display 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 utilizing 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.

Five teams competed in Ho Chi Minh City alongside the judging panel.
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.
About Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is a producer-owned, non-profit organization responsible for marketing Australian red meat globally. MLA provides comprehensive support to the retail and foodservice sectors through marketing, education, and promotional programs.
Additionally, MLA conducts extensive market research to track evolving consumer trends, ensuring that its marketing strategies effectively boost demand and drive consumption. By leveraging these insights, MLA plays a crucial role in maintaining Australia’s leadership in the global red meat industry.
Contact Information: Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
Email: htran@mla.com.au
Website: www.mla.com.au