Non-profit organisation IMS represents the global meat and livestock sector, helping provide a sustainable supply of safe, healthy, high-quality and nutritious animal protein, and organises the biennial World Meat Congress.
This new partnership will see both organisations share resources, insight and assist networking across continents to help further develop the reach of both organisations.
Hsin Huang, Secretary General of the IMS, said: “Our executive council unanimously voted to join forces with Meat Business Women. We recognise there is huge opportunity to develop the image, culture and landscape of the meat industry making it more attractive to female talent. Working alongside Meat Business Women will help us to achieve this together and showcase the sector as a positive career choice. Many of the challenges and opportunities within our industry are global and having the very best people to come together and address them is fundamental to our future.”
Launched in 2015, Meat Business Women is a global, professional networking group for women working in the meat industry. In May last year, it launched a group in New Zealand, led by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. This has been followed by an Australian alliance which is now at an advanced stage.
Chair of Meat Business Women Laura Ryan said: “I am absolutely delighted that we are not only starting to roll out the concept internationally but also now partnering with the International Meat Secretariat. Having attended the World Meat Congress myself, I’ve seen first-hand the impact, connectivity and reach the IMS has.
“This new partnership will help delegates in partnering countries easily converse with colleagues around the world while sharing that all-important global best practice. This is already starting to have impact, with one of our UK committee meeting with the New Zealand group in February to share learnings.”
She added that Meat Business Women will look to build more country alliances while working alongside IMS. “Having recently launched our own podcast, we now have another great platform in addition to our social media channels to share our global insight and knowledge. I look forward to further expansion of the group.”