Forrest snaps up Harvey Beef

Andrew Forrest’s Minderoo Group has further signalled its strong belief in the future of Australia’s agricultural industry. The group has acquired Harvey Beef, Western Australia’s largest processor of high quality beef for local and international markets and only accredited WA beef exporter to China.

Established in 1919 by Ernest Green, Harvey Beef is one of WA’s most iconic and best-known brands. It is now back in WA family hands.

Harvey Beef exports premium WA beef to about 30 countries. Major destinations include China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Middle East and the United States.

Minderoo will further invest in upgrading the Harvey Beef facilities to increase capacity in order to meet growing domestic and international demand for premium WA beef, both grass and grain-fed.

“I have always been a firm believer and an even stronger supporter of the Australian agricultural industry. Harvey Beef has been an iconic brand for almost a century and I am delighted to work with its team to ensure Harvey Beef makes a significant and growing contribution to the State's economy; and Australia's agricultural industry for the next century,” Mr Forrest said.

“Harvey Beef is Western Australia’s only accredited beef exporter to China. Following detailed discussions with the Chinese leadership, we are determined to ensure that the Australian agricultural industry’s future in China is just as bright as our mining future.

“We hope this acquisition will send a strong message of confidence in the future of the industry. To provide confidence to increase supply and make Australia the supplier of choice to meet Asia's long term food security requirements.”

Outgoing Harvey Beef chairman John Nicholls said the former major shareholder, Pacific Alliance Group, was pleased with the acquisition.

Harvey Beef CEO Michael Hughes said he was delighted that Minderoo has acquired Harvey Beef and will continue to invest in its highest quality beef processing.

“We are a proud Western Australian brand and are committed to getting on with the job to supply Australians and the emerging markets of the world with the best beef produce,” he said.

"This is an excellent result not just for Harvey Beef, but for our suppliers and distributers all over Australia. The vision Mr Forrest has demonstrated will certainly be a bright and exciting future for Australia's agricultural industry."

Harvey Beef operates a state-of-the-art plant 140km south of Perth. It has supplied Coles with beef since 2012 and places a priority on the highest standards of care and animal welfare, throughout the supply chain.