NZ Beef Mince Now Over $24/kg as Export Demand Stays Strong
New Zealand consumers are paying more for beef mince than ever before, with the average retail price now sitting above $24 per kilogram, according to Rabobank.
Stats NZ Food Price Index data for July 2026 shows pork loin chops priced at $16.71 per kilogram, down 2.7 percent over the year, and roasting pork at $12.42 per kilogram, down 9.7 percent.
The same data shows pork loin chops priced close to everyday options such as chicken breast, at $14.80 per kilogram, and sausages, at $13.80 per kilogram, while roasting pork is among the lowest-priced fresh meat options listed.
"These figures, and the current commentary around how expensive some proteins have become, highlight pork's continued affordability and value for households," says Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZPork.
With many Kiwi families feeling the squeeze from higher living costs, affordable meal options matter more than ever. Pork offers strong value without asking families to compromise on flavour, quality or the meals they enjoy."
"Whether it's a roast, chops, or quick midweek meals, pork's pricing makes it a practical choice for households looking to stretch their food dollar further."
Pork Mince Compared with Beef Mince
Kleiss says pork mince is currently selling for around $18 per kilogram depending on the retailer, compared with over $24 per kilogram for beef mince.
"For households watching their grocery spend, those different price points give consumers more choice when planning everyday meals," he says. "For families who prefer beef mince, combining it with New Zealand pork mince is another simple way to reduce the cost of everyday meals while still enjoying the dishes they know and love."
Local Production and Beef and Lamb Context
Kleiss says a common misconception is that New Zealand pork is largely exported, when in fact almost 100 percent of it is raised on local family farms and eaten domestically.
"New Zealanders are really lucky to have such a strong beef and lamb sector, with international demand driving strong returns for our farmers. But that doesn't mean Kiwis have to pay international prices for their everyday meals," he says.
"Pork is tasty, versatile and offers some really good value at the moment, particularly in the mince category."
"For families looking for practical everyday meal options to keep the grocery bill under control, New Zealand pork is a great option — raised right, right here, for New Zealanders."
Kleiss says around 60 percent of the pork consumed in New Zealand is imported, with much of it produced to lower standards, particularly in processed products.
"Whilst almost all fresh pork is from New Zealand, Kiwi shoppers should look carefully at labelling when purchasing bacon, ham or frozen products," he says.
He advises shoppers to look for "Pork sourced from New Zealand" in the fine print, rather than the "made in New Zealand from local and imported ingredients" wording, which can be misleading.
"They can also ask their retailer where it's from, if they're not sure. That way they know they are getting an excellent quality product that's affordable and produced in New Zealand to high standards."
