Our History

1953

Beef producer Damian Kennedy established Kilcoy Pastoral Company in Kilcoy, located in Queensland’s hinterland, to supply surrounding butcher shops. The original plant was capable of processing forty head of cattle per day.

1965

Damian’s son, Ian Kennedy, took the reins as Managing Director of Kilcoy Pastoral Company. His innovation and business acumen saw Kilcoy Pastoral Company begin to evolve into a highly specialised facility specifically for the grain-fed market.

Ian Kennedy pioneered several industry breakthroughs, including the first consignment of chilled beef to Japan, and was also integral in founding AUS-MEAT, the Australian body responsible for establishing and maintaining National Industry Standards for meat production and processing.

1999

Kilcoy Pastoral Company began developing beef brands for Japan.

2013

New Hope Investment Fund acquired Kilcoy Pastoral Company and invested heavily in the business, with a $120 million plant upgrade and expansion.

2015

New Hope Investment Fund purchased the Ruprecht Company in the United States.  Ruprecht has a long history in the beef industry – currently being the oldest operating beef processor in the Chicago area, established in 1860.  The Sommers Family purchased Ruprecht in 1961 and has grown its reputation for providing center of the plate protein items to the country’s finest food service and retail establishments.

Over the last 10 years, Ruprecht has experienced rapid expansion and growth due to its investment in Research and Development.  Ruprecht has expanded its focus to fully cooked meal solutions, side dishes, and other value-add raw items.

In the same year, Hosen Capital, purchase and Weidao Foods in China and together with Kilcoy Pastoral Company and Ruprecht, form the business now known as Kilcoy Global Foods.