The popularity of venison and lamb has seen the meats reach their highest price ever.
An unprecedented rise in venison prices beyond traditional peaks has been triggered by an increase in demand from the United States. A trend that has been presented over the last three to four years, growth in sales to the US has accelerated. 2011 saw the share of New Zealand exports up 10 percent a year, an increase that had grown to approximately 26 percent of sales in 2017. Markets driven by healthy foods and paleo diets have seen prices rise from $6/kg to $9/kg for meat off bones.
New Zealand’s biggest lamb exporter, Alliance Group, has the minimum price for cuts of the meat set at $8.20/kg. The price, starting in September, will be the highest ever paid. With next season’s lambing percentages expected to be high, recent commodities reports state lamb is strong across critical markets; reflecting positive global economic growth and demand. Across New Zealand, farmers have had a successful 18 months of stability, preparing them for the season ahead.
