Australian red meat processing industry breaks new records while supporting 189,000 jobs
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation’s (AMPC) recent Socio-economic Impact Report (The Report) reveals red meat processing’s significant contribution to Australia’s national economy and employment. The industry now proudly supports a record 189,487 jobs across the nation, an increase of over 50,000 since 2022.
Over the past five years, red meat processing has seen total value add, average income per employee and industry employment all climb to new heights nationwide. The impressive results reflect the key role local red meat processors play in the Australian economy and the significance of their contribution, especially to regional communities.
AMPC research indicates that the red meat processing industry achieved a direct sales revenue of $25.452 billion last year. This supports recent data that revealed 2024’s volume of red meat sales broke new records across key categories, including beef, lamb, goat, and mutton - the first time that all varieties shattered records in the same year.
As a globally recognised, high-quality product, Australian red meat was supplied to over 50 countries in 2024*, proving that the sector continues to benefit from strong demand from both domestic and diversified export markets.
The financial stability a career in red meat processing offers individuals and communities is unlike any other industry in our regions, and processors are proud to be an economic pillar of regional Australia. The industry’s contribution to national employment is significant, with The Report revealing that local red meat processors directly employ 39,500 Australians, with a greater 189,000 FTE jobs supported across the red meat supply chain.
There has been a 23.11 per cent increase in direct employment in the last five years, with this impressive growth reflecting an industry that proudly prioritises the training, development and wellbeing of its growing workforce.
In 2024, the Australian red meat processing industry contributed over $17.8 billion to household income from employed persons across all industries, a contribution of 1.30 per cent of total Australian household income in the same year.
AMPC Interim CEO Edwina Toohey said, “The impact of red meat processing on regional Australia goes far beyond the data conveyed in the AMPC Social-economic Impact Report.”
“It is important to quantify the tremendous contribution that red meat processors make to the livelihoods and health of regional communities. The results deepen the understanding that our work is essential to the prosperity of rural towns.
“It is the entire red meat supply chain that keeps regional Australia afloat. Whether you’re involved in livestock, processing, transport, retail or purchasing, every individual makes a difference to the world-class standards of our industry.
“The red meat processing industry has a role for everyone. No matter your background, skills or qualifications, we encourage all Australians to reach out to their local processor to find out how to get involved,” she said.
The Report provides further, in-depth data on red meat processing’s contribution to Australia’s prosperity, revealing the total monetary value of sales, value added, industry employment and household income at a national, state and territory and for the first time, the local government level. This information will help processors convey their value to local communities and economies.
Read the full report at the AMPC website:
https://www.ampc.com.au/research-development/sustainability/evaluating-the-socio-economic-benefit-of-the-red-meat-processing-industry-in-regional-australia-2024/
*(Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry figures red meat export statistics 2024 - DAFF)
For more information
Contact Communications Lead – Caitlin Morris on 0476 110 675 or email c.morris@ampc.com.au
About the Australian Meat Processor Corporation
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is the research and development corporation for the red meat processing industry in Australia. As the research, development and marketing service provider for Australian processors, AMPC runs programs of activity that are funded by processor levy payers, private contributions and the Australian Government. AMPC’s mission is to drive world-class innovation, adoption and strategic policy development through genuine partnerships built on trust.