Viterra sets record wheat shipment, exporting 71,500 tonnes to the Middle East
AUSTRALIA – Viterra, a leading global agricultural supply chain company, has recently achieved a significant milestone by completing its largest wheat shipment since the 2021-22 season.
The company loaded 71,500 tonnes of wheat at its Outer Harbor terminal in Adelaide, marking a historic export from this terminal despite facing a below-average harvest in South Australia. This shipment is destined for end users in the Middle East, indicating a robust demand for local grain.
Derek Robjohns, Viterra’s General Manager of Supply Chain, expressed optimism regarding the shipment, stating that it reflects both the resilience of local growers and the efficiency of Viterra’s supply chain.
“The South Australian harvest was overall better than expected with growers producing a high-quality crop despite low rainfall. This achievement underscores the reputation of South Australian grain for its reliability and quality on the global market,” Robjohns noted.
In January alone, farmers delivered 60,000 tonnes to Viterra’s sites, pushing total receivals for the 2024-25 season past 3.3 million tonnes. To date, Viterra has loaded over 900,000 tonnes of grain for export this season, with shipments reaching 15 countries.
The company’s investment in rail transport has played a crucial role in moving grain efficiently to the deepwater Outer Harbor port.
In addition, in September 2024, Viterra announced an agreement to acquire five storage and handling sites, along with a mobile ship loader, from Cargill to enhance efficiencies within the supply chain, offering substantial opportunities for growers, buyers, and the industry at large.
The Middle East remains a key market for Australian wheat, with countries like Yemen, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates relying on imports to meet their food security needs.
According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), global demand for wheat is expected to remain strong, driven by population growth and increasing consumption in developing nations.
The country is on track to become one of the world’s top wheat exporters, with the USDA forecasting Australian wheat exports to reach 25 million tonnes in 2023-24.
“We are proud to support South Australian growers and contribute to the state’s economy. This shipment is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the farmers to our logistics teams. We look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality Australian grain to the world,” said Robjohns.
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