Episode Details

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Darren Thomas, Group Managing Director of Thomas Foods International.

Darren shares insights from humble 1985 livestock trading beginnings with father Chris to now three-generation family involvement including his children Jack, Ned and Chloe.

Scott and Darren explore the 1990s early Angus connection, the brand evolution of Angus Pure, his supply chain ownership strategy, and the ongoing innovation and expansion at home and abroad.

They discuss livestock as core competency, processing as core business, the Angus breed delivering what it promises, opportunities for young people in agriculture, and family business tenure creating competitive advantage with global customers.

So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights on building Australia's second largest red meat processor while remaining proudly family-owned

Key topics covered:

1. Thomas Foods International growth from 1985 livestock trading/service kill beginnings to Australia's second largest red meat processor and largest sheep/lamb processor exporting to 80-85 countries with five Australian plants
2. The journey to being a three-generation family business, the value of being a generational supplier with strong customer relationships, and remaining proudly family owned when the other top processors are all foreign-owned
3. The supply chain ownership strategy of owning everything between farmer and end user retailer for efficiency, which allows higher farmer payments and customer value, as well as better control and decision making
4. Thomas Foods’ early Angus connection in the 1990s and how Darren created marketing options for South East producers
5. The brand evolution of Angus Pure from Certified Black partnership to developing their own 100% Angus positioning, achieving US market success, and launching Mount Shank premium brand
6. Why the Angus breed succeeded by backing up great marketing with actual product performance through society research and seed stock suppliers/farmers collaborating for genetic improvement
7. Why attention to detail and simplicity matter as Thomas Foods' philosophy from home to operations, with people as the foundation and educating for better outcomes.
8. How Thomas Foods is expanding globally with second US and European plant building, Middle East and India operations developing, as well as a $380M Australian capital expenditure to modernise facilities
9. The challenge of over-regulation and export certification costs pushed onto processors, with regulation supporting brand quality but increasing costs and thereby reducing competitiveness
10. Why Thomas Foods takes a cautious approach to MLA multibreed evaluation by using Angus as best practice case study without reinventing the wheel
11. Why young people have wonderful opportunities in agriculture beyond primary production including AgTech/robotics/data science/AI/pharmaceuticals, with industry unity making it easier than when Darren started

Relevant links mentioned in the episode: