Friday, 03 April 2020 13:43

COVID-19: Growing interest in NZ sheepmeat in China

Written by Peter Burke

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Nick Beeby.

Chinese consumers are increasingly positive about New Zealand-produced beef, lamb and mutton in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a social media analysis by Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

B+LNZ’s market development team says it is monitoring Chinese consumers’ perceptions of the protein market, the perception of protein origin, and the changes in retail channel choice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The red meat grower organisation has published a report summarizing the latest findings, which can be found here:

Click here to view the full report.

According to B+LNZ general manager of market development, Nick Beeby with the Chinese market cautiously reopening, people are increasingly excited about eating their favourite proteins again.

“Taking into account the positive health perceptions of beef, the desire for mutton hot pots and New Zealand remaining a strong country of origin, we’re really well placed to get back into the Chinese market, he says.

The research, which began in January, tracked conversation on Chinese social media platforms.

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