Dairy power
OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.
A global brand platform promoting New Zealand beef and lamb is going from strength to strength, says Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor.
Speaking at B+LNZ annual meeting in New Plymouth today, McIvor says launched in 2019 and focused on conscious foodies in highest growth markets, ‘Taste Pure Nature’ stats speak for themselves.
Through partnering with a growing list of meat companies, Taste Pure Nature campaigns continue to grow awareness and aspiration to buy NZ grass-fed beef and lamb in the US and China, he says.
In the US, awareness of NZ’s unique farming practices now sits 19% higher than in 2019, aspiration to buy NZ grass-fed beef and lamb has increased by 18% and 10% respectively.
“In 2022 our paid media has reached over 116.9 million people, and our food truck has driven a real increase in sales,” he says.
“In China, NZ is now the most seen and heard country of origin for beef, recognised by 44% of consumers surveyed.”
Pure Box food vending machines have been introduced in China.
B+LNZ developed the recipes and then trialed the most desirable meals in the vending machines.
McIvor says more than 35 million consumers saw this promotion.
“We’re also now exploring the potential for these meals in supermarkets and convenience stores.
“Though the overall investment is small by global standards, Independent analysis has identified a 7.9:1 return for every B+LNZ dollar invested in Taste Pure Nature.”
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…
OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?