July 12,2006

New Zealand pork consumption hits record

New Zealand's per capita pork consumption reached an all time high of 20.8 kg for the year to March 2006, an increase of 8.6 percent over the previous year.

New Zealand Pork Industry Board chief executive Sam McIvor said pork demand had grown rapidly, having increased 21 percent since 2003.

McIvor said the good value that New Zealand pork provides and its nutrition are two prime factors that draw consumers to pork.

McIvor added that the Board's marketing campaign using informercials to cast pork as a fast, easy to prepare, and healthy meal component has boosted sales.

In addition, the Heart Foundation's endorsement has reinforced public awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of pork through its TrimPork label.

Besides turning New Zealand pork into a versatile product that could be prepared in various ways, the industry has also committed resources into developing new products. The latest release of Pork Dumplings by the Board's Recipe Club was a good example of pork's flexibility and broad appeal, McIvor said.