S6 Ep16: TFI's Darren Thomas on China Tariffs and the Murray Bridge Comeback

S6 Ep16: TFI's Darren Thomas on China Tariffs and the Murray Bridge Comeback

From The Weekly Grill by Beef Central

May 29, 2026 · 32 min · Season 6 · Episode 16

About this episode

Kerry Lonergan interviews Darren Thomas about Thomas Foods International's growth and key industry challenges.

In today's episode of The Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan interviews Darren Thomas, CEO of Thomas Foods International, about the company’s growth from family beginnings to a multi-billion-dollar global business. They discuss key issues including China tariffs and trade challenges, the rebuilding of Murray Bridge after the 2018 fire, expansion into the US, goat and seafood operations, feedlot growth, labour and technology pressures, and food security. Darren also reflects on community support, the importance of youth pathways into agriculture, and how innovation and international investment shape the future of Australian processing and exports.

People in this episode

Host: Kerry Lonergan

Guest: Darren Thomas

Topics covered

  • China tariffs
  • trade challenges
  • Murray Bridge rebuilding
  • agriculture innovation
  • food security
  • international investment

Keywords

  • China tariffs
  • Murray Bridge
  • agriculture
  • food security
  • trade challenges
  • innovation
  • international investment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Thomas Foods International, Australian processing

Places: China, Murray Bridge, US

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