Despite below-average grain production across South Australia, Viterra has successfully exported the largest shipment since the 2021/22 season. A total of 71,500 tonnes of wheat from local growers was loaded at Outer Harbor, making it the equal largest shipment ever exported from the terminal.
Viterra attributes this achievement to the resilience of South Australian growers, who produced a high-quality crop despite low rainfall. The company highlights that South Australian grain continues to be highly regarded worldwide for its reliability and quality.
The ability to export such a large shipment reflects the ongoing demand for local grain and the efficiency of Viterra’s supply chain. Rail transport played a key role in moving grain to the deepwater Outer Harbor port, allowing for a streamlined export process. By providing a flexible and efficient service that meets buyers’ specific volume and quality requirements, Viterra continues to attract international interest, increasing competition for South Australian and western Victorian growers.
Working closely with more than 45 buyer customers, Viterra has connected locally produced grain with international markets. So far, over 900,000 tonnes have been loaded onto vessels on behalf of exporters. South Australian grain has already been shipped to 15 countries this season, with exports including 430,000 tonnes from Eyre Peninsula ports, 300,000 tonnes from Adelaide ports, and 170,000 tonnes from Yorke Peninsula ports across 24 vessels. Additional shipments are planned across all port terminals, ensuring the continued movement of grain to international buyers while also meeting steady domestic demand.
Beyond its role as a storage and handling provider, Viterra is also the largest buyer of grain in South Australia. The company recently purchased wheat from local growers to fill the 71,500-tonne vessel, which is destined for end users in the Middle East. The shipment represents approximately $32 million worth of South Australian wheat headed for international markets.
Through direct purchasing, Viterra has successfully connected local grain with end users across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific. Growers benefit from Viterra’s extensive international network, which provides access to global markets and competitive pricing backed by the financial stability of its global business.
Viterra’s operations significantly contribute to the South Australian economy, with more than $1.2 billion injected into the state last season through grain purchases and supply chain investments. As grain continues to move to market, growers delivered an additional 60,000 tonnes to Viterra sites in January, bringing total receivals for the 2024/25 season past 3.3 million tonnes.
