TWO long-standing Queensland agribusinesses were recognised for their export achievements in the Premier of Queensland’s 2014 export awards, announced on Friday.

The Australian Agricultural Co earned the 2014 agribusiness division award, for the third year in a row.

The state’s only finished leather manufacturer, Narangaba’s Packer Leather, earned the Tom Burns Award for export excellence in the Asia-Pacific region, and was a finalist in the regional exporter category. Packer Leather was one of 12 finalists in the International Tannery of the Year competition, also judged recently.

AA Co’s award recognised outstanding international success in the field of agricultural products, services or technology including processed foods and beverages and the forestry, fisheries and fibres industries.

Managing director Jason Strong said the award was recognition of the hard work put into transforming the company from a cattle operation to a supply chain business, providing premium beef to more than 20 countries.

“This is a tremendous honour which recognises the international nature of our business, and the commitment and efforts of our staff to transform the company” he said.

“AA Co is a globally recognised producer of the finest Australian beef. We believe we are now responsible for more than 50 per cent of all Australia’s premium Wagyu beef exports.”

“Winning this for the third year in a row also demonstrates consistent success.”

The category had 16 finalists, including innovative and successful agribusinesses including Magic Millions, Capilano Honey and South-East Asian Livestock Services.

The Premier’s Award comes just days after the company’s flagship Master Kobe Wagyu beef was awarded another gold medal for exceptional quality by the Australian Wagyu Association, in its 2014 Wagyu branded beef competition.

AA Co’s Darling Downs Wagyu beef has this year won gold medals at the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Fine Food shows.

The Agribusiness Export Award was presented at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards in Brisbane. The awards recognise excellence among Queensland’s exporters.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said in a statement: “Queensland’s savvy business men and women are ensuring the quality of Queensland exports shines on the world stage, and these awards recognise their success.”

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said last night: “All the winners whether they be large companies like the AA Co or niche manufacturers like Packers Leather are successfully sending Queensland goods and services to the world.

“Tonight’s winners are all at the top of their game and they will inspire countless other Queensland businesses to also excel in their export efforts.”

AA Co is a world leading provider of beef and agricultural products. It runs more than 500,000 head of cattle over a strategic balance of properties, feedlots and farms across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

As Australia’s oldest continuously-operating company, AA Co since 1824 has been building expertise in producing quality beef products which are recognised as some of the best in the world.

The company is the world’s biggest producer of Wagyu and Wagyu cross beef, responsible for more than 50pc of Australia’s premium Wagyu beef exports.

AA Co started exporting boxed beef in 2005, achieving $12m in sales in the first year. The key factor in its significant export growth is credited to its Wagyu beef business.

Packer Leather is a family-owned business which started as a tannery in the Brisbane suburb of Chermside in 1891. It relocated to Narangba in 1972, and started exporting in 1980. The fifth generation of the Packer family now operate the business, producing high quality cowhide and kangaroo leather for everything from cricket balls to luxury car interiors.