South African beef producers are set to benefit from growing export opportunities in Asia, says Beefmaster Group, one of South Africa’s leading suppliers of premium beef products to local and international markets.

Following recent favourable trade discussions across Southeast Asia, Beefmaster Group joined President Cyril Ramaphosa and a South African business delegation on an official state visit to Vietnam and Malaysia aimed at strengthening trade relations and expanding market access for South African beef.

“We’ve been visiting Asia for the past four years to open more export markets, focusing on Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The reception to South African beef during this trip has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Louw van Reenen, Executive Chairman of Beefmaster Group, who attended the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and continued discussions in Singapore.

Why Asia is a Key Growth Market for South African Beef

Van Reenen highlights Asia’s importance for the South African beef industry:

“These markets collectively represent more than 700 million consumers with rising demand for quality protein. Even securing one of these markets would be a major boost for our primary producers, the red meat value chain, and the South African economy.”

While Beefmaster Group previously received approval to export to Malaysia, operations were paused due to COVID-19 and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions. The company has since applied for export approval to Singapore, further positioning itself as a pioneer in high-potential Asian markets.

Government Support for Agricultural Trade Expansion

Agriculture remains a key pillar of South Africa’s economic growth strategy. During his keynote address in Hanoi, Vietnam, President Ramaphosa highlighted the strength of South Africa’s livestock industry and its role in building resilient, sustainable food supply chains.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen also met with E. Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, to explore opportunities for South African exporters to supply high-quality beef, pork, lamb, and exotic meats such as game and ostrich to Vietnam’s growing market.

Van Reenen adds:

“We are optimistic that the outcomes of the recent three-nation visit to Southeast Asia will open doors for South African exporters ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg this November. With global leaders focusing on inclusive economic growth, agriculture and beef exports can play a central role in boosting trade and supporting rural economies.”

Strengthening South Africa’s Position as a Trusted Beef Supplier

As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit for the first time, Beefmaster Group continues to champion collaboration between government and industry to expand export opportunities and build trust in South African beef as a world-class product.

“We are proud to support efforts that ensure greater trade access for our farmers and the broader red meat industry,” concludes Van Reenen. “Our goal is to unlock new markets and cement South Africa’s reputation as a trusted global supplier of premium beef.”

South African beef industry leaders at the SA-Vietnam Business Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam.

From left to right: Gerhard Neethling (Red Meat Abattoir Association), President Cyril Ramaphosa, Louw van Reenen (Beefmaster Group Chairman), Dewald Olivier (Red Meat Industry Services), and Johann Kotzé (CEO AgriSA). This meeting highlighted South Africa’s growing beef export opportunities in Vietnam and Asia.

Beefmaster Group strengthens South Africa-Vietnam trade relations.

Louw van Reenen, Executive Chairman of Beefmaster Group, meets Hoang Sy Cuong, Ambassador of Vietnam to South Africa, during the SA–Vietnam Business Forum in Hanoi to discuss expanding beef export partnerships.

Beefmaster Group and the South African government collaborate on an agricultural export strategy.

Louw van Reenen (Beefmaster Group Chairman) with Mooketsa Ramasodi, Director-General for Agriculture in South Africa, discussing opportunities to expand South African beef exports in Asia.

South African red meat industry delegation at the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit, Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Gerhard Neethling (Red Meat Abattoir Association) and Louw van Reenen (Beefmaster Group) with dignitaries promoting South African beef exports and trade cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Beefmaster Group represents South Africa at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Louw van Reenen joined the South African business delegation to promote beef exports and agricultural partnerships with Asian markets.

Asia’s growing middle class is driving demand for high-quality protein products. Markets like Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia represent over 700 million consumers, offering significant opportunities for South African beef producers to expand exports and grow the local economy.

Beefmaster Group and other South African exporters are actively pursuing market access in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia – high-potential countries with increasing demand for safe, premium red meat.

Beefmaster Group is a leading beef producer and exporter, partnering with the South African government to open new trade channels in Asia. The company’s focus is on building long-term relationships, ensuring export readiness, and maintaining the high quality of South African beef.

Through trade missions and diplomatic visits led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of Agriculture, South Africa is negotiating new export agreements, promoting its livestock sector, and ensuring compliance with international standards like animal health and food safety.

Opening Asian markets will strengthen the entire beef value chain – creating jobs, boosting rural incomes, increasing agricultural exports, and positioning South Africa as a trusted global supplier of premium beef.