International Sandwich Day on 3 November 2008

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