Plant protein not a threat

Limmer's transition from chief operating officer of Zespri to chief executive of Silver Fern Farms has been seamless.

He notes protein consumption is growing worldwide and NZ is not going to be able to supply the world. NZ doesn’t need to be everything to every consumer, he says.

“The other point is that our market position is quite different: we are looking for that quality high end and naturally produced red meat for the consumer,” he told Rural News. “We are very much in different markets in what we are offering.” 

Limmer believes there is scope for massive growth in red meat sales to eastern markets, especially China.  The trend in Chinese meat consumption per capita favours NZ. “But ultimately we have to focus on the market and adapt to what consumers are after. If we can match our good product with the right consumers then we can be very successful.”