Australian beef giant Hewitt strikes deal to buy Nolan Meats in major industry shake-up
Synopsis
Family-owned cattle giant Hewitt is set to acquire Nolan Meats, one of Queensland’s largest beef processors, in a deal that signals further consolidation across Australia’s red meat industry.
Australia’s largest organic meat producer Hewitt has agreed to acquire Queensland-based Nolan Meats in a major deal that could reshape Australia’s beef processing landscape. The acquisition brings together two large family-owned agribusinesses with deep roots in regional Australia and major export operations. According to ABC, the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2026.
Key highlights
- Hewitt agrees to acquire Queensland processor Nolan Meats
- Deal brings together two major Australian family-run beef businesses
- Nolan Meats employs more than 600 people in Gympie
- Operations expected to continue unchanged during transition
- Acquisition subject to regulatory approvals
- Sale expected to complete in second half of 2026
Two major family businesses join forces
Hewitt, led by brothers Max Hewitt and Ben Hewitt, operates more than 100,000 cattle across properties spanning Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
Nolan Meats began as a butcher shop in Gympie in 1958 before growing into one of Queensland’s largest privately owned meat processing businesses.
The company now exports beef products to major international markets including China and the United States.
Nolan family rejected overseas offers
Nolan Meats director Terry Nolan said the family had previously received acquisition approaches from buyers in Singapore, China and the United States.
However, the family ultimately chose Hewitt because of shared business values and a commitment to preserving the company’s legacy.
Terry Nolan described informing staff about the sale as “heart-wrenching” but said the timing was right for the family to move into a new chapter.
Operations to remain unchanged for now
The company confirmed its operations in Gympie would continue as normal while the transaction is completed.
Nolan Meats currently employs more than 620 workers and remains one of the largest private employers in the region.
Its portfolio includes:
- Meatworks and processing facilities
- Feedlots
- Cattle properties
- Worker accommodation
- Export operations
The business processes around 150,000 cattle annually.
Hewitt expands vertically integrated beef empire
The acquisition majorly strengthens Hewitt’s position across Australia’s red meat supply chain.
The company already controls major cattle operations including the massive Narwietooma aggregation in the Northern Territory.
Hewitt also operates retail and export divisions servicing domestic and international markets.
Chief executive Mick Hewitt said the transaction would improve market access and expand the group’s product offering.
Technology and export growth key attractions
Nolan Meats has invested heavily in automation and processing technology over the years.
The company pioneered what was reportedly the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fully automated meat chilling and distribution facility when it launched in 2017.
Industry observers say the acquisition could accelerate further export growth, particularly into Asian and US markets.
Foreign investment access seen as growth driver
Terry Nolan said Hewitt’s access to foreign investment capital was a major advantage for future expansion.
He suggested projects that may previously have taken decades could now potentially be completed within years.
The comments reflect broader consolidation trends across Australia’s agriculture and food-processing industries as businesses seek larger scale and stronger export positioning.
What it means for Australia
The deal highlights several major themes shaping Australia’s agricultural sector:
- Growing consolidation in meat processing
- Rising global demand for Australian beef
- Increased focus on export markets
- Investment in processing automation
- Expansion of vertically integrated supply chains
The acquisition may also strengthen Australia’s position as a premium beef exporter globally.
Labour and regional impact
Nolan Meats said around half its workforce currently comes through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
The company also continues operating apprenticeship and training programs for young Australian workers entering the meat industry.
Regional employment stability will likely remain a key focus as the transition progresses.
What happens next?
The acquisition will now move through regulatory and approval processes before completion later this year.
Industry watchers will monitor:
- Export expansion opportunities
- Future infrastructure investment
- Workforce integration
- Beef market conditions
- Further consolidation across the meat sector
The transaction could become one of the most significant Australian agribusiness deals of 2026.
FAQs
Q1: Who is buying Nolan Meats?
Hewitt, Australia’s largest organic meat producer, has agreed to acquire Nolan Meats.
Q2: What does Nolan Meats do?
Nolan Meats is a Queensland-based beef processor and exporter operating meatworks, feedlots and cattle properties.
Q3: Will jobs be affected?
The companies say operations and staffing will continue unchanged during the transition period.
Q4: Why did the Nolan family sell?
The family cited succession planning, family circumstances and alignment with Hewitt’s values as key reasons behind the decision.
Q5: Why is the deal important?
The acquisition strengthens Australia’s beef export sector and reflects broader consolidation across the agribusiness industry.
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I write about markets, money, and the macro forces that move them. Passionate about turning complex economic trends into sharp, easy-to-understand stories. Off the clock, it’s hip hop, rock, reggae -- and a mix of cricket and basketball.
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