The adoption of Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry grading (DEXA) is being investigated very closely at Australian Country Choice’s Cannon Hill red meat processing plant.
The importance of such new technology will be its ability to provide vital carcase information about ACC’s integrated beef supply chain business, according to the company’s general manager David Foote.
Meat & Livestock Australia’s general manager for research, development and innovation Sean Starling believes DEXA grading can provide timely, accurate, transparent and objective information on the lean meat, bone and fat composition of each beef carcase.
“ACC is looking very closely at the DEXA technology and any opportunities it presents to improve our processing operations,” Mr Foote said.
“Measuring is a very important part of our business and it can reinforce our breeding and feeding programs or provide important information on what potentially needs to be improved.”
ACC has a major red meat supply agreement with Coles supermarkets and it’s vital the company continually produces consistent, high quality shelf-ready beef and lamb products.
“Australian consumers remain highly sensitive to receiving value for money,” Mr Foote said.
“Up until recently they have been accepting the price rises of recent years as quality and consistency in the domestic market has continued.
“But, reports now suggest the recent high prices have stopped growth in the beef category.”
With 85 per cent of Australians consuming house-brand beef at the major domestic supermarkets, ACC is more focused on producing a consistent beef product, rather than specialized branded products.
“Fortunately for ACC, Coles has a strong commitment to capturing and interpreting customer behaviors and preferences,” Mr Foote said.
“ACC works very closely on a daily basis with Coles to interpret consumer behavior, so that ACC can convert this back into supply chain language.
“Given it takes nearly three years from conception to consumption it remains a challenge for the beef industry to respond quickly to any significant changes in consumer habits.”
ACC’s David Foote will be speaking at QCL’s Food Heroes on February 10.
