Meat processors
Commenced 1988 and rebranded from T&R Pastoral Pty Ltd in March 2013. Australia's largest 100% family-owned meat processing company (lamb, beef, mutton, goat) and third largest red meat processor. Has 4 processing plants and processes meat from the Wanderribby research feedlot. Exports to more than 80 countries.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jun 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Thomas Foods International Consolidated Pty Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
3/5 for packaging performance
This company received a packaging performance level of 3 (Advanced) in its 2024 APCO Annual Report. Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a not-for-profit organisation leading the development of a circular economy for packaging in Australia. Each year, APCO Members are required to submit an APCO Annual Report and Action Plan, which includes an overall performance level from 1 (Getting Started) to 5 (Beyond Best Practice).
Source: APCO
(2024)
Feedlot operations
This company operates feedlots. A feedlot is an intensive confinement animal feeding operation (CAFO) for cattle, much like a factory for 'battery chickens'. Each animal has 5 to 10 square metres of space in a pen of 50 to 200 cattle. The cattle are forced to stand and sleep in their own dung and urine, and endure extremes of weather (especially heat). Close confinement means a much higher risk of disease so antibiotic drugs are routinely used. Grain feed commonly causes their digestive systems to be acidic. Cattle spend up to a year in feedlots, where they are fattened up before slaughter.
Source: company website
(2020)
Worker abuse allegations
This company has been accused of abusing and bullying international workers, amid poor health and hygiene conditions. The senate inquiry continues.
Source: The Weekly Times
(2015)
MoU with CP Group
In 2015 this company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thailand's CP Group. CP Group has been criticised for having slave labour in its seafood supply chain.
Source: CP Group
(2015)
Environmental improvements
T&R implemented a series of environmental improvements at its Murray Bridge abattoir between 2009 and 2011 in response to community complaints about odour, dust and noise from the facility, as well as moth fly infestation, which tended to increase in the summer months. The EPA is monitoring their progress.
Source: EPA South Australia
(2011)
Company Details
Type:
Family-owned private company
Revenue:
1.1 billion AUD
(2014)
Employees:
1656
(2014)
Contact Details
Address:
Lagoon Road, Murray Bridge, SA, 5253, Australia
Phone:
08 8532 1955
Website:
Products / Brands
Thomas Foods International
Thomas Farms
Beef