He doesn’t see the lamb burger overtaking McDonald’s AngusPure beef burger but says the potential is huge. Since August 2009 McDonald’s has bought 2 million kg of AngusPure beef patties.
“[The lamb burger] has the potential… of the New Zealand beef burger. We could soon be supplying lamb patties to other parts of the world,” Slater told Rural News.
McDonalds New Zealand is partnering with B+LNZ, which endorses the new lamb products. Two years development went into the lamb burger.
The McDonalds move pleases farmers. Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairwoman Jeanette Maxwell says it adds value to the lamb farmers produce.
“As a sheep and beef farmer, I know the positive impact McDonald’s involvement with AngusPure has had. It has greatly raised its profile as a premier product.
“This is where things get truly exciting. If lamb works here it may go on menus in other countries, the Middle East and Asia especially.
“New Zealand is already a major supplier of beef as part of McDonald’s global supply chain and it is not a dream to believe lamb could follow. The prospects are mouth-watering.”
Only lamb shoulder cuts – no mutton – are used in the lamb patties. The meat is sourced from North and South Island farms. Key suppliers include Silver Fern Farms, Anzco and Affco. The patties are made at the Anzco plant, Waitara.
Wilson says research shows 82% of respondents in New Zealand like lamb but 65% say cost precludes them eating it.
“Lamb is iconic to New Zealand but sadly has become unattainable for many Kiwis due to its price. McDonald’s is excited to be adding this option to its menu, making lamb products available at an affordable price.”
As of last Wednesday 160 McDonald’s restaurants were offering two lamb products: the Serious Lamb Burger and a Lamb Snack Wrap. Another lamb product will be added soon.
