Vote for Beetroot! Kiwi Veggie Brand Lobbies for Beetroot to Become NZ’S Official National Veg

LeaderBrand, one of the country’s largest producers of fresh vegetables, is lobbying for beetroot to be officially declared the National Vegetable of New Zealand.

The family owned company has set up an online petition via Change.org (http://chn.ge/1bNV8HQ) where New Zealanders can get behind the cause by leaving their signature. LeaderBrand will also be organising Vote for Beetroot marches in the main city centres to drum up support. The petition will be presented to the New Zealand government on 12 June.

"Ireland has the potato, Italy has the tomato, most parts of the USA have a state vegetable...but New Zealand, one of the world's greatest food producers, doesn't have its own national vegetable. It's just not right," explains Richard Burke, LeaderBrand General Manager. "Beetroot is quintessentially Kiwi. We must be the only country in the world that can't serve a burger without a slice of beetroot in it. Everyone has nostalgic childhood memories of it. We think it's about time New Zealand beetroot got the recognition it deserves. What better way than to name it the official National Vegetable of New Zealand."

New Zealanders can show their support for the campaign by using the hashtag#VoteforBeetroot on Twitter and Instagram. Updates on the petition, including march dates and other campaign initiatives, will be posted on the LeaderBrand Facebook page.

7 Very Good Reasons Beetroot Should Be Named NZ's National Veg

1) No good Kiwi burger is complete without beetroot
2) Beetroot even has pride of place in the famous Kiwiburger ad jingle
3) It’s the colour our PM’s face went – multiple times – during Ponytail-gate
4) Beetroot is delicious at any time of the year - it’s as happy accompanying a New Zealand winter roast, as it is a summer salad or smoothie
5) Beetroot has achieved super food status - scientists claim beetroot is capable of boosting athletic performance, can treat high blood pressure and might even have an effect on some cancers
6) Every New Zealander has a nostalgic beetroot memory from their childhood
7) Beetroot loves New Zealand - it can be sown from early spring right through until late autumn.

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