Spotlight on: S. Kidman and Co
- Maree O'Connor
- Sep 19
- 2 min read

Every great beef has a story, and few are as remarkable as S. Kidman Meat. It begins with Sir Sidney Kidman, born in 1857 near Adelaide, South Australia.
At just 13, he left home with five shillings and a one-eyed horse, setting out into the Australian outback.
Through determination and resourcefulness, he built what would become the largest pastoral empire in Australian history, earning the title The Cattle King.
By the early 1900s, Kidman owned or had interests in cattle stations across South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales. His clever strategy of linking properties allowed cattle to move between regions, keeping them safe during droughts and ensuring a reliable supply – a legacy of resilience and innovation.
The company S. Kidman & Co was formally established in 1899 and became one of Australia’s most respected beef producers.
In 2016, the business was sold to a joint venture led by Hancock Prospecting (67%) and Shanghai CRED (33%), ensuring the Kidman name continues in modern beef production.
Today, S. Kidman beef is recognised for being Australian-raised, high-quality and supplied to both domestic and international markets. And through à La Carte Meats, this legendary beef is delivered to kitchens across Queensland.
Our wholesale range includes cuts to suit every menu: eye fillet, striploin, cube roll/ribeye, and rump for premium steaks; brisket, blade, chuck, and short ribs for slow-cooked dishes; bolar blade, rib roasts, topside, and silverside for roasting; and versatile cuts like flank, oyster blade, rump cap, and knuckle. Each cut carries the reliability and quality that has defined Kidman beef for more than a century.
Serving S. Kidman beef is more than plating a meal – it’s sharing a piece of Australian history. Diners enjoy a connection to Sidney Kidman’s pioneering spirit, while chefs trust the consistent quality and performance of the beef.
Kidman Milestones:
1857 – Sidney Kidman is born near Adelaide, South Australia.
1870 – Leaves home at 13 with five shillings and a one-eyed horse.
Early 1900s – Builds a cattle empire spanning multiple Australian states.
1899 – S. Kidman & Co is formally established.
2016 – Sold to Hancock Prospecting and Shanghai CRED, continuing the Kidman legacy.
From the red dust of the outback to kitchens across Queensland, S. Kidman Meat brings history, heritage, and Australian quality to every plate.








