MLA Maps Future of Red Meat on Australian Menus
MLA Launches Rare Medium 2026 to Shape Future of Red Meat on Australian Menus
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched Rare Medium 2026, its latest long-term foodservice trends report. This is designed to guide how red meat will feature on Australian menus over the next decade.
According to Meat & Livestock Australia, the report draws on extensive consumer research, chef insights and global dining trends. As a result, it helps producers, processors and foodservice operators adapt red meat offerings to changing expectations.
Key themes highlighted include:
Growing demand for premium, provenance-led beef and lamb
Increased focus on sustainability, nose-to-tail utilisation and value-led cuts
The influence of global flavours and multicultural dining
A shift towards flexitarian menus, where red meat is eaten less frequently but with higher quality expectations
MLA said Rare Medium 2026 is intended to support the entire red meat supply chain. It does this by aligning production and product development with how consumers actually choose meals, rather than focusing solely on volume growth.
The report positions red meat as a hero ingredient when executed well. It suggests that future success lies in storytelling, eating experience and menu relevance rather than price competition alone.
Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | January 2026
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