270 Jobs Lost as SA Pork Plant Closes
A pork processing plant in Port Wakefield will shut down in early 2026, leaving hundreds unemployed due to supply shortages and market changes.
Plant to Close in January
The Seven Point Pork processing facility in Port Wakefield will shut down indefinitely starting January 2026. The plant’s owner, JBS, announced the closure after a key supplier drastically reduced the number of pigs delivered to the site.
With no viable replacement for the lost supply, JBS says the facility can no longer operate in the short term.
Local Impact
The closure will affect about 270 workers, including 160 people from the surrounding community. Port Wakefield relies heavily on the plant, making the announcement a major blow to the local economy.
Federal MP Tom Venning called the decision “very disappointing”, especially for mixed farmers already struggling through a dry year.
“For many of them, pigs are their only source of income,” he said.
Coles Shifts to Victoria
Coles, one of the plant’s main buyers, has decided to move more pork processing to Victoria to meet rising demand in eastern states.
A spokesperson said:
South Australia will still be Coles’ biggest pork supplier.
The company is expanding its partnership with Big River Pork in Murray Bridge.
Coles argues this shift will create a more efficient supply chain and better serve customers nationwide.
What’s Next for Workers and Farmers?
JBS has promised to:
Meet its obligations to affected workers.
Continue exploring future business options for the Port Wakefield site.
Meanwhile, Pork SA chair Greg Davis says strong pork demand across Australia should help most producers find new buyers, though extra freight costs may be a challenge.
“We’re doing okay, but it’s still tough — especially with the weather,” Davis said.
Outlook
Though pork production will continue elsewhere in the state, the loss of Port Wakefield’s major facility raises concerns about South Australia’s long-term role in the national pork industry.
Unless new supply and business solutions are found, the closure could mark a lasting shift in how — and where — Australian pork is processed.