More people eating more pork

Media Release 25th June

More people eating more pork

Pork consumption in New Zealand has reached a record high with more than 19kgs per person being consumed during the year ending 31 March 2004.

According to figures released by the New Zealand Pork Industry Board this represents a 6.7% increase over the previous year.

Not only are people individually eating increased amounts of pork, but more people are also eating pork and pork products, with the total volume of consumption increasing by 8.5% as New Zealand's population grows.

The Board's Marketing Manager, John Quigley, said that whilst in excess of 30% of the supply was imported product, this figure had remained static during the last year, with substantial increases in the production of locally grown 100% New Zealand Pork.

"There has been a steady growth in our domestic industry during the last couple of years which has meant that we have been able to position our 100% New Zealand Pork very effectively.

"The Board's research, both qualitative and quantitative, has shown that our television commercials have had considerable impact, in assisting viewers with ideas to produce interesting and perfectly cooked pork meals," he said.

Part of the Board's market development programme has been the successful utilisation of the New Zealand comedian, Mike King, in this role.

This will be continuing, supported by a range of point-of-sale material, recipes, and web-site initiatives (pork.co.nz) promoting the New Zealand grown product.

ENDS

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