Thursday, 31 August 2023 13:55

Interest waning?

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: This old mutt had to laugh at a recent summary of the fake meat sector by international food expert Joanna Blythman: “No wonder people are turning their noses up at fake meat... it’s not healthy, it won’t save the planet, and it tastes like burnt dog food”.

Blythman’s comments came in the wake of news that sales of plant-based burgers are plummeting.

Beyond Meat recently reported that its overall sales have slumped by almost a third.

The company was valued at $10 billion in 2019 and is now worth a fraction of that, at less than $1 billion.

Meanwhile, sales of fake meat more generally slid in the UK by 6% last year. According to market research firm Mintel, this trend is expected to continue.

“Vegetarians and vegans will be pleased that no animal had to die in making these products,” Blythman curtly added. “But that has not stopped shoppers abandoning them in droves.”

More like this

Trop de Paris!

OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly relating to how they're treating their farmer base.

NZ vs Aussie beef

OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try harder" report card on the red meat industry regarding its exports to China - particularly when compared to Australia.

Arable advocacy?

OPINION: Spare a thought for the arable farmer, squeezed on one side by soft global prices and on the other by limits on further yield increases.

Our own 'Clarkson'

OPINION: The huge success of former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson's new TV show, Clarkson's Farm, and the boost it has given the image of farming in the UK, has prompted one scribe to wonder aloud who could fill a similar role here in NZ.

Gaslight much?

OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts started after their disastrous Covid response; now trying to undermine the Covid inquiry to protect his own backside.

Featured

T&G Global returns to profitability

Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.

Urea plant faces forced closure over gas supply

One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.

Rural backlash over plan to cut police staffing

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.

EPA proposes ban on weedkiller Chlorthal-Dimethyl

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).

DairyNZ thanks farm staff

August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.

Editorial: Getting RMA settings right

OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.