McDonald’s Expands Menu with 100% NZ Lamb Products

Media Release – for immediate release
13 August 2012

McDonald’s Expands Menu with 100% NZ Lamb Products
• 100% NZ lamb products at McDonald’s following two years of product development
• New lamb products endorsed by Beef + Lamb New Zealand
• McDonald’s continuing to expand quick service restaurant industry

In one of the most exciting product developments in McDonald’s New Zealand history, the quick service restaurant chain announced it is expanding its horizons once again, adding New Zealand lamb to its menu.

As the only McDonald’s market in the world to offer lamb on its menu permanently, managing director Patrick Wilson says its introduction is part of McDonald’s continual expansion of its brand, aiming to grow not just its share of sales in the industry but the industry as a whole.

“As the market leader of the quick service restaurant category, McDonald’s is known for being innovative, and our ability to bring lamb products to fruition in New Zealand is just another example of this. After a two year product development process including quality assurance testing and many consumer trials, we know that we have an outstanding product that is really going to ‘wow’ Kiwis,” says Mr Wilson.

McDonald’s New Zealand has partnered with Beef + Lamb New Zealand, which is endorsing the new range of 100 percent New Zealand lamb products.

“After seeing the success of McDonald’s premium Angus beef range, with 2 million kilograms sold since launch, we are thrilled with this new partnership and the potential these products have to get Kiwis eating more New Zealand lamb,” says Beef + Lamb New Zealand CEO Rod Slater.

Patrick Wilson says independent research has shown that 82 percent of respondents in New Zealand like lamb but 65 percent said that cost was the main reason why they don’t eat it.
“Lamb is so iconic to New Zealand but sadly it has become unattainable for many Kiwis due to its price. McDonald’s is really excited to be adding this option to our menu and making fantastic lamb products available at an affordable price for our customers,” says Mr Wilson.

From Wednesday this week, 160 of McDonald’s restaurants nationwide will offer two lamb products - The Serious Lamb Burger and the Lamb Snack Wrap. Another lamb product will also be added to the menu in the coming weeks.

The Serious Lamb burger is McDonald’s largest ever burger featuring a patty of succulent 100% New Zealand lamb seasoned with rosemary, oregano and garlic, plus egg, beetroot, lettuce and creamy aioli on a new five inch wheatgerm bun. As it is McDonald’s biggest burger, it is served in a paper wrap.

The Lamb Snack Wrap includes a half patty of succulent 100% New Zealand lamb, lettuce and creamy aioli, all in a soft tortilla wrap.

McDonald’s export-quality lamb patties are made using shoulder cuts. No mutton is used. The lamb meat is sourced from farms in both the North and South Island. Key suppliers include Silver Fern Farms, ANZCO and AFFCO. The patties are made at the ANZCO plant in Waitara.
ENDS
About McDonald’s New Zealand:
New Zealand’s first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Porirua in 1976. Today there are 161 McDonald’s restaurants across New Zealand, 80 per cent of which are franchised and run by local business men and women. The organisation employs over 10,000 people in restaurants nationwide. For more information visit www.mcdonalds.co.nz.
Check out McDonald’s New Zealand on Facebook www.facebook.co.nz/mcdonaldsnz or Twitter @Maccasnz.

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