increase font size
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
In an online survey of more than 1,100 New Zealanders run by Retail Meat New Zealand, 42% said lamb would be the hero protein of their main Christmas meal, well ahead of pork or ham (30%) and beef (13%).
Retail Meat New Zealand president, Reuben Sharples says the results demonstrate lamb’s enduring position in Kiwi hearts as the go-to meat for memorable days like Christmas.
“Christmas is about celebrating food, family and traditions, and New Zealand lamb remains at the heart of that. It’s fantastic to see that so many people continue to choose lamb as the centrepiece of their Christmas Day feast.”
The annual Christmas survey, now in its eighth year, offers a snapshot of Kiwi festive traditions. The survey was promoted via social media channels and electronic newsletters of Retail Meat New Zealand and industry partners. Entrants were incentivised to enter, with the opportunity to win one of five $150 meat vouchers.
Traditional roast meals remain the clear favourite (49%), though barbecues continue to be a strong part of the Kiwi Christmas identity, chosen by more than a third of respondents. Most meals will be cooked in the oven (59%), but the barbecue isn’t far behind (38%).
Potatoes (91%) and mixed salads (79%) top the list of sides, followed by kumara (59%), carrots (54%), broccoli (43%) and peas (42%). And when it comes to dessert, pavlova remains the nation’s standout favourite (71%), with trifle (46%) and strawberries with ice cream (42%) also strong contenders.
Christmas Day for most Kiwis is about togetherness. An overwhelming 88% say spending time with family is the most important part of the day, followed by food (29%) and the festive spirit (27%). Opening presents (80%), backyard games (49%), watching movies (42%) and beach walks (35%) are among the top activities.
Sharples added family and food go hand-in-hand at Christmas, but no one should be stuck in the kitchen slaving over food.
“Whether you’re eating a leg of lamb, a turkey or a ham, butchers are ready to help you make your Christmas easy and delicious.”
Chinese beef trade quotas and a looming suspension of Brazilian beef imports into the European Union are expected to reshape global beef trade flows over the remainder of 2026, with implications for New Zealand exporters, according to Rabobank's Q3 Global Beef Quarterly report.
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is sometimes viewed as a dairy industry issue, but the reality is that the disease can have serious consequences for beef breeding herds as well.
Two butcheries have claimed victory at the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards for 2025.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports to China, following approval for two of its processing plants to supply the market.
OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
A partnership between state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) and charity Meet the Need is putting more than quality New Zealand beef into food bank parcels this year.
The Opportunity Party has faced criticism during the election campaign that its policies are too urban-focused and offer little for rural communities.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
