February 5, 2007

NZ pork consumption rises
 

In 2006, New Zealanders consumed a record of 20.6 kg of pork per capita, according to the New Zealand Pork Board's Annual Report for the year ending Sept 30, 2006.

This represents an increase of half a kilogramme per person over the previous year.

Chris Trengrove, the board's chairman, said pork consumption in New Zealand has been increasing and there has been a good demand for local product.

Incidentally, pork imports reached unprecedented levels, with almost 45 percent of it coming from Australia, 27 percent from Canada, 18 percent from the US, 9 percent from Sweden and the rest from China, Thailand and others.

New Zealanders prefer home-grown pork and the country faces the challenge to ensure that 100 percent New Zealand Pork is the consumer's first choice, said Trengrove.

Producers, processors, wholesalers and retailers would need to work closely in this regard, he added.