The Group, which imports A$200 million of Australian wheat each year, is in the process of setting up operations in Melbourne to source meat, seafood, dairy and other products, according to a report in the Herald Sun.

CP Australia's general manager Richard Lewis told the Herald Sun that the aim was to diversify operations and source produce directly from Australia rather than through intermediaries.

The company is aiming to export A$50 million in additional food produce by the end of next year.

CP, which has annual global turnover of $30 billion with 19 offices worldwide and will open an office at Docklands in Melbourne next month.

Mr Lewis said CP, Asia's largest producer of chickens, saw huge potential in Australia's beef and lamb industries, but also hoped to export poultry.