Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Consumers say ‘no’ to imported pork

=15 December 2008

Consumers say ‘no’ to imported pork


Consumers are beginning to reject imported pork and favour local product, according to the latest import figures.

A New Zealand Pork released report shows a 9 per cent drop in pork imports coming into the country, the first major drop in imports in 7 years.

“We believe New Zealanders are waking up to how much imported product is coming into the country” says Sam McIvor New Zealand Pork CEO. “The 9% drop is equivalent to 70,000kg per week. But the fact is there is still about 700,000 kgs a week coming in to be made into bacon and ham”.

“There is no doubt that New Zealanders want to know where their food comes from”. In February this year New Zealand Pork launched Country of Origin labelling to denote ‘100% New Zealand grown’ bacon and ham.

“We’ve made it available free to manufacturers and retailers who can prove they use New Zealand product, and we’ve struggled to keep up with demand. The very clear feedback we have from bacon manufacturers is that their New Zealand grown product is increasing in sales. As consumers are now buying their Christmas ham we’re sure we’ll see the same trend there too.”

McIvor says that in the tough financial times consumers are reverting to brands they can trust, and the 100% New Zealand message is a key component of that trust.

“This is a poignant reminder to legislators who have rejected calls for Country of Origin Labelling. We’ve taken the lead to inform consumers. My advice this Christmas is to look for the 100% New Zealand pork, bacon or ham label to ensure they buy local.”

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.