Bangkok--30 Jul--Spark Communications
Thailand is looking to New Zealand to help fill its demand for high-quality beef and lamb, recent trade statistics show.
A strong focus on food safety and high-quality ingredients has seen imports of New Zealand’s meat products continue to soar. Imports of New Zealand meat into the Thailand market grew 65 percent over the last five years, driven by a 160 percent growth in sheep meat and a developing fresh beef market.
“This growth indicates that New Zealand’s focus on environmental sustainability, food safety and producing delicious products has caught the eye of Thai consumers, who are looking for the very best available,” says New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner to Thailand, Ms Karen Campbell.
New Zealand’s natural free-range pastures and moderate climate provide ideal conditions for animal farming, coupled with advances in food science, are producing a superior product that is in high demand all over the world.
Food safety in New Zealand is underpinned by a sound regulatory regime aimed at protecting and promoting public health and safety, and assuring trade partners that New Zealand-produced food meets the requirements of reporting countriesNew Zealand’s Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Tony Lynch, cites New Zealand’s OIE-recognised status as an ‘animal disease-free’ exporter as a unique selling point for New Zealand meat products in Thailand.
“Thai consumers place importance on the traceability and safety of their food products. New Zealand is in a unique position to provide that certainty as one of the world’s few countries with disease-free status. The growing popularity of New Zealand products in the Thailand market reflects our international reputation for quality.”
New Zealand beef is a particular niche product that is finding favour in Thailand, with all-natural striploin, tenderloin and rib-eye cuts gaining popularity across the market as an ideal ingredient for both Thai and Western dishes. Other New Zealand products, such as seafood, high-quality wines and natural foods are also popular with consumers.
New Zealand meat is available in Thailand at Villa Market, Foodland, Central Food Hall, and Gourmet Market.
Photo captions
H. E. Tony Lynch, New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand (right); Karen Campbell, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Thailand; and New Zealand Chef Darren Wright highlight some of the high quality, safe and sustainable New Zealand beef and seafood now available in Thailand.
New Zealand Chef Darren Wright creates New Zealand Braised Beef Short Rib with Spiced Carrot Puree and South Pacific Ika Mata with fresh ingredients from New Zealand