Media Release
31 October 2008
International Sandwich Day on 3 November 2008
This Monday, New Zealanders will join other countries in celebrating International Sandwich Day. New Zealanders are very
partial to a sandwich with one in three eating sandwiches five times a week according to a survey commissioned by
chutney and relish maker, Whitlock’s. John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich back in 1762 and the
sandwich has quickly become a staple in New Zealanders’ diets.
The Whitlock’s survey found that New Zealanders believe that the classic kiwi sandwich is made up of ham, cheese, salad
and tomato.
31 percent of Wellingtonians said that tomato and roasted vegetable relish was their most favoured relish to have with a
sandwich. Whitlock’s Group Brand Manager Louise Knight said she was not surprised that people had chosen this option.
“This relish flavour is versatile and blends well with most ingredients without being overpowering – it is a favourite
amongst New Zealanders. High quality relish makes a good sandwich great”.
Given the recessionary climate, the Whitlock’s survey identified that those on lower incomes eat sandwiches more often
than their wealthier counterparts. Respondents south of the Bombay Hills tended to be bigger fans of sandwiches than
those residing in Auckland.
One in three respondents to the survey also mentioned that tomato and roasted vegetable relish is the most favoured
relish flavour for a sandwich. Supermarket sales of relish exceed $12 million annually (Aztec Scan Data 52 wks to
23/12/07).
Auckland’s image of latte drinking/ biscotti eaters is still alive and well as it reported that 19 percent of
Aucklanders eat sandwiches more than five times per week opposed to 36 percent for those outside of Auckland.
Older respondents are more likely to more regularly eat sandwiches, with their younger counterparts reporting to be less
common sandwich eaters. Regular sandwich eaters were also more likely to not follow or try out new things.
Interestingly, findings showed that the one ingredient that most requires relish was cheese. Females (50 percent) prefer
cheese over males (32 percent); married (44 percent) prefer cheese to unmarried (36 percent). Essentially, those wanting
to get married had to eat more cheese.
3,604 New Zealanders took part in the Whitlock’s survey.
ENDS