AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TO CHICAGO - HOW DOES IT STAY FRESH?

by Joe Welnhofer September 25, 2018

At Pre, we take our beef geekery to a whole new level, especially when it comes to bringing our raw beef to the United States. As you may know, we source all of our delicious tasting beef from the temperate climates of Australia and New Zealand where nutrient-rich green grass grows year-round. The best way to transport Pre beef to the United States is by shipping the product on sea freight container ships through the Panama Canal all the way to the port of Philadelphia, PA. The total journey takes roughly five weeks from the time the ship leaves Australia and New Zealand until it docks in Philadelphia. That may seem like a long time to bring over our refrigerated beef, but it actually works to our benefit!

Beef needs to age at least three weeks, held at the proper temperature, in order for the muscle fibers to break down and become the tender beef that we strive for. The long journey across the Pacific Ocean is just the right amount of time for our product to wet age to perfect tenderness. You may be asking yourself, “What do you mean about proper temperature?” or “How do you ensure it stays at that consistent temperature over the entire journey?” The answer, we have conducted countless shelf life studies to ensure our product is consistent in taste, texture, and thickness. We conduct all of these tests to find out what keeps our product consistent and so we know that the expiration dates we promise are accurate. The one factor that we always come back to is temperature.

Through all of our studies and experiences, we have found that the ideal temperature to import beef is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. We have even taken it so far, that we require our suppliers to put temperature sensors in every one of our orders. These aren’t your average run of the mill temperature sensors, they are real-time temperature and location sensors that allow us to track where the order is located and the temperature of the product at any given point. So even when the product is going on a nice cruise through the tropical temperatures of Panama, our beef is chilling at a nice 28 degrees, and we have the data to prove it.

Once the product arrives at the Port of Philadelphia, we work with partners that are just as obsessed with keeping the product cold as we are. All of the cold storage facilities we use have coolers that are 28 degrees. In addition, all of the trucking companies we use are refrigerated to 28 degrees. We verify these temperatures with every order we bring in all the way from Australia and New Zealand and then to the plant in Chicagoland.

Temperature is vital when storing Pre to keep it fresh for longer. Our vacuum sealed packaging coupled with consistent cold temperature will allow a longer time in your refrigerator. Temperature is also important when cooking Pre. Reference this steak cooking chart to get a tender, delicious Pre steak every time.

A supply chain graphic showing how the beef comes from New Zealand and Australia and goes to Chicago and stays fresh the entire time.

Also in Gather

Lazy Summer Dinner Ideas

by Pre Brands August 03, 2022

Pre sources from New Zealand and Australia because they have the best environment in the world, and the strictest humane animal treatment laws.

Why Pre Sources from Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay, and Parts of the United States

by Patricia Willmot July 26, 2022

5 Homemade Butters to Elevate Your Steak

by Pre Brands July 19, 2022

If you want to take your steak to the next level, try one of these homemade compound kinds of butter! Putting chilled butter on sizzling steak will surely bring extra richness to your meat and soften the exterior making your steak more succulent and tender.

See what people are saying

"Real talk...since my cancer was environmental and not hereditary I am super conscious of what goes into my body, especially protein. Post chemo left my body super low in iron so steak remains in my diet. I found Pre a few months ago and it’s the only meat I buy. Grass-fed, no added hormones and most importantly affordable. Eat better for your body people!"

jaqueline

"Your steaks, especially the sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon are absolutely delicious. Wasn’t sure how these cuts would taste grilled but they taste just as good if not better than cuts I’ve had a top notch steakhouses."

Mario

"When our son was diagnosed with a rare medical disorder, it meant that we would have to change our diet as a family. Because his metabolism doesn’t function like a typical person’s, we have to be very careful about what we feed him. One of the changes we made was to use more grass-fed and finished beef in our cooking. We decided to give Pre a try, and we are so happy with the quality and taste of the meat. Buying from Pre gives us peace of mind and we feel confident knowing that we are using a product in the top of its class."

Lindsay

"This beef is AMAZING! I'm from Wisconsin so a huge steak lover. This is some of the best beef, I've experienced and I've had beef around the world. It's a must try, and you'll understand what I mean."

Tracy

"My husband and I loved having these filets once a week. I sear both sides and "in-between" in a very hot small Lodge cast iron skillet. I use a spatter guard. Then I place the skillet in a 400 degree oven for between 2min. 10-20 seconds. Perfect medium minus filets. My mouth is watering as I write this!!"

Mary M.

"These steaks and other Pre products have been a staple in our home for over a year now and we continue to be fully satisfied with their consistently good quality and flavor. They are the perfect size, are delicious and easy to cook. Add Pre’s amazing customer service to it and you end up with an exceptional overall product!"

K.G.

"Best steak I've had in a long time. I love being able to order grass fed beef that is way better than I can find in grocery stores. Really tastes great on the grill . I'm addicted to it now."

Jeff S.

"First time trying the 10 Pack New York Strips. Oh My! had an unexpectedly warm day and whipped out the grill. Enough said. Delish !!!! Steaks are equally cut making cooking much easier for the desired temp."

Lu H.

Grocery Delivery

Find Your Store

Store Locator