Lamb to be king of the plates this Christmas
Released 17 Dec 2009
An informal survey of 117 Wellingtonians has revealed lamb may dominate the nation's plates come Christmas Day.
"This is great news for New Zealand's sheep and beef farmers given there's no difference in the quality we have down in Canterbury to what people will be tucking in to in Paris," says Jeanette Maxwell, vice-chairperson of Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre.
"Lamb is not just shaping up as the number one meat choice for Christmas Day, but in combination with turkey and ham, is the favourite festive combination of meats too.
"I guess people are not afraid of looking like a turkey this Christmas Day by hamming it up with lamb.
"The fantastic flavours of lamb really make it the universal meat. Lamb can be consumed by almost any faith where meat is allowed, making it perfect for friends and family alike.
"New Zealanders are rediscovering what an awesome meat lamb is. Roast it or barbeque it, there's nothing you can't do with Kiwi lamb.
"Wherever you are in New Zealand and whatever weather Christmas Day might throw up, you can either enjoy that traditional roast lamb with the family or enjoy it on the great Kiwi barbeque," Jeannette Maxwell concluded.
RESULTS:
Meat eaters 110 (94 percent)
Vegetarians/Vegans 7 (6 percent)
Top meat choices for Christmas Day:
|
Single meat type |
Number |
Percentage |
|
Lamb |
23 |
21 |
|
Turkey |
16 |
15 |
|
Chicken |
16 |
15 |
|
Ham/Pork |
15 |
14 |
|
Beef |
6 |
5 |
|
Seafood |
3 |
3 |
|
Gourmet sausages |
1 |
1 |
Top meat combinations for Christmas Day:
|
Meat combinations |
Number |
Percentage |
|
Turkey/Ham/Lamb |
5 |
5 |
|
Chicken/Ham |
4 |
4 |
|
Turkey/Ham |
4 |
4 |
|
Lamb/Ham |
2 |
2 |
|
Turkey/Lamb |
2 |
2 |
|
Turkey/Beef |
2 |
2 |
|
Beef/Ham |
2 |
2 |
|
Other combinations |
9 |
8 |
This informal survey was conducted in person by Federated Farmers staff on a stunning Wednesday lunchtime (16 December) in Midland Park, Wellington.
There were two questions:
- Do you eat meat?
- What is the major type of meat you intend to eat on Christmas Day?
For further comment:
Jeanette Maxwell, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre vice-chairperson, 03 302 8860, 027 357 4464
