Angus industry gets one million kilo boost

A potentially tough year for the New Zealand Angus beef industry has been given a boost by McDonald’s restaurants and their Angus beef burger range, with the chain announcing it has used nearly one million kilos of New Zealand Angus beef in the year since launch.

Sales have topped expectations since the premium beef range was introduced in August 2009, with demand far exceeding forecasts.

McDonald’s Managing Director Mark Hawthorne says the success of the partnership with AngusPure has not only given a considerable lift to the local Angus supply, it is evidence of New Zealand consumers’ demand for premium products when eating out, even in the face of a recession.

“The last 12 months or so have been pretty tight for everyone, and McDonald’s is proud to have continually supported local beef farmers. We’ve purchased close to 4.7 million kilos of beef in the last 12 months, including the Angus beef we’ve used in the new range, which is great for the beef industry, and Angus farmers,” he says.

“As one of the biggest supporters of the beef industry in this country, McDonald’s is committed to sourcing quality ingredients from Kiwi suppliers wherever possible. It’s clear our customers appreciate that given the response we’ve seen to the Angus beef burger range.

“New Zealand’s mark on the world stage is also pretty exceptional when it comes to exporting beef to McDonald’s markets around the world; 22 million kilos of New Zealand beef was purchased by McDonald’s internationally in 2009,” says Mark Hawthorne.

New Zealand AngusPure Chairman, Tim Brittain, says the partnership between Angus beef farmers and McDonald’s couldn’t have come at a better time for the industry.

“Due to the recent economic climate, the past year has been tough for many farmers in New Zealand. Fortunately we have experienced a welcome spike in sales, positive perception and increased awareness of Angus beef thanks to the partnership with McDonald’s.

“The demand for Angus beef has grown significantly as a result, which is great for breeders and the industry as a whole. McDonald’s is a key customer for the New Zealand beef industry and we value their ongoing support to offering home grown, grass-fed beef,” says Mr Brittain.

The Angus range uses quality New Zealand beef sourced by McDonald’s from independently verified Angus beef from farms in regions including the Waikato, Canterbury, Taranaki and the Hawkes Bay.

To celebrate a year of the partnership between Angus and McDonald’s, McDonald’s today introduced a new Angus offering to the menu - ‘Angus the Third’, which includes an Angus beef patty, cheese, tomato, premium salad and tomato chilli relish, between a sourdough bun.

Ends

Notes to editors:

McDonald’s beef patties are made using 100 per cent quality New Zealand beef. The Angus beef range uses New Zealand Angus beef sourced from farms that have been independently verified by AngusPure Ltd.

Angus is a breed of black polled (hornless) cattle originating in Scotland. They have low compact bodies, ideal for grazing rugged land and producing premium beef beef that is unique for its rich flavour which delivers a juicy beef product.

In 2009 McDonald’s New Zealand used 5.4 million kg of New Zealand beef in its New Zealand restaurants nationwide. Additionally, more than 22 million kg of New Zealand beef was exported to McDonald’s markets around the world, predominantly to North America.

In 2009 McDonald’s New Zealand sourced the following from New Zealand suppliers, spending more than $145 million:

• 5.4 million kg of beef
• 2 million kg of chicken
• 1 million kg of lettuce for processing
• 265,000 kg of tomatoes
• 68 million buns and rolls
• 12.8 million muffins and bagels
• 1.3 million litres of milk
• 13.2 million kg of potatoes for processing
• 1.1 million kg of cheese
• 11.4 million eggs
• 280,000kg of Hoki

Additionally, New Zealand producers exported more than $180 million worth of food to McDonald’s restaurants around the world in 2009, including the following:

• 6.5 million kg of cheese to 21 other McDonald’s markets (Australia, Asia, South Africa, Middle East and South America)
• 24 million kg of French fries to South East Asia and Australia
• 22 million kg of New Zealand beef (mostly to North America)

About McDonald’s New Zealand
New Zealand’s first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Porirua in 1976. Today there are 152 McDonald’s restaurants across New Zealand, 80 per cent of which are franchised and run by local business men and women. The organisation employs more than 9000 people in restaurants nationwide. In 2009, McDonald’s spent $145 million with New Zealand suppliers, buying produce and products for its restaurants. For more information visit www.mcdonalds.co.nz