Demand for beef, particularly halal, is predicted to rise this year, as Indonesia’s largely Muslim population celebrates religious festivals like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in June and July. Thus, securing export permits for beef is seen as a “positive development for Australian cattle producers and exporters”, according to Wellard.
The timing of the quota release from the Indonesian government comes as Wellard’s two vessels plot a course back to Australia after transporting live cattle abroad. Now, its two ships, the MV Ocean Drover and the MV Ocean Outback, will be able to load cattle for Indonesia’s market without delay.
Separately, but in line with the company’s push to open up new markets, Wellard has appointed Brendan Wade as chief operating officer. Previous incumbent Scot Braithwaite assumes the position of chief business development officer with immediate effect.
New market activity
“Wellard is growing through new markets and organic growth in existing markets,” said the company’s managing director Mauro Balzarini this week.
“This change enables Scot to pursue those new markets and service existing clients, while ensuring our exporting operations, where shipping capacity will soon increase by 50%, are managed efficiently.
“Brendan possesses experience in senior management roles in large stock agencies and has successfully started, managed and grown his own business, so he has the right blend of corporate and hands-on experience to perform this important role.”
Wade’s previous roles include livestock manager for agribusiness supplier Landmark, as well as a stint as the national president and Queensland chairman of the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association (ALPA).