Pork Consumption Steady Despite H1N1 Influenza
NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand consumers have continued to buy New Zealand pork, bacon and ham despite the recent A/H1NI variant influenza virus outbreak commonly labelled as “swine flu“.
7 May 2009
2 minute read
A survey across retailers and wholesalers has shown that demand for pork, bacon and ham has remained steady.
The World Health Organisation, the NZ Food Safety Authority, the Ministry of Health and MAF Biosecurity have all stated that the A/H1N1 virus is in no way connected with pigs, and therefore there is no relationship between eating pork products and catching the flu.
The media has been accurate in passing that message on, and consumers have responded rationally in-kind.
Two upcoming events will provide a boost to product sales: Mother’s Day is expected to drive strong sales of pork roasts. NZPork analysis shows that for 7 out of 10 people that roast pork is the preferred “special occasion” meat, with crackle being unmatched for sheer enjoyment; and the announcement of New Zealand’s best bacon on 20 May. Around 200 bacons have been entered in the Lesnies 100 per cent New Zealand bacon competition. Only bacon made from New Zealand grown pork are able to enter.
