Wednesday, 05 September 2018 10:04

Plant protein not a threat

Written by 
Simon Limmer. Simon Limmer.

Silver Fern Farms chief executive Simon Limmer is not overly concerned about the threat of plant-based meat substitutes. 

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.”

More like this

Silver Thin Farms

OPINION: The Hound hears that tension was in the air at the recent Silver Fern Farms AGM, with the board reportedly dazed and confused at why their CEO would continue to hammer farmers to lower their emissions in perpetuity, without being able to state a dollar value for any of the touted premiums.

Featured

Big day at Clash of the Colleges

Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Sugar hit

OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…

Wrong focus?

OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter