23 December 2010

Christmas the time to ham it up

An informal survey of 117 Wellingtonians has revealed ham and pork as the meats of choice for Christmas day meals this year.

“This is some great news for New Zealand’s pig farmers who have had a rough year. The industry has been under the hammer from animal welfare groups in 2010, but its good news to see this hasn’t had too much of an effect on Kiwi dining habits,” says Bruce Wills Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre chairperson.

“Last year lamb was the meat of choice, but came third equal this year with turkey and behind chicken. Obviously Kiwis have to think very hard with their wallets in these tough times.

“But let’s be honest, we’d be telling porkies if we said it’s not fun to ham it up a bit with family and friends. Even if you look like a turkey, it’s worth not chickening out and getting experimental with your cooking.

“Ham has long been a Christmas favourite worldwide and is among the most versatile of meats. Whether it’s a giant ham with honey glaze, pork with apple sauce, pork chops on the barbeque or strips of bacon resting on roast chicken, it makes a great combination food and a classic Kiwi favourite,” Mr Wills concluded.

RESULTS:
Meat eaters 113
Vegetarians/Vegans 3/1

Top meat choices for Christmas Day:
Meat type Number Percentage
Ham/Pork 60 51
Chicken 41 35
Lamb 34 29
Turkey 34 29
Beef 24 21
Seafood 20 17
Sausages 9 7
Other 6 5

This informal survey was conducted in person by free roaming Federated Farmers staff on Wednesday 22 December at lunchtime (16 December) in and around Lambton Quay, the Terrace and the waterfront.

There were two questions:

• Do you eat meat?

• What types of meat you intend to eat on Christmas Day?

ENDS

© Scoop Media