New Zealand's lamb is renowned and highly valued around the world for several reasons that have made it famous. Here are some factors that contribute to New Zealand lamb's reputation:
Grass-fed and free-range agriculture:
New Zealand is known for its vast pastoral landscape and a large proportion of the country's lambs are raised on open pastures. The animals eat natural grass, and the mutton meat is tender and has a unique taste.
Natural environment:
New Zealand's pristine natural environment is conducive to raising healthy and robust sheep. Clean air, abundant water and lush pastures contribute to the overall quality of the lamb.
Sheep Breeds:
New Zealand mainly raises sheep breeds such as Romney and Perrendale, which are well suited to the country's climate and grazing conditions. These breeds produce high-quality meat with desirable characteristics.
Quality Assurance and Traceability:
New Zealand has strict quality assurance and traceability systems for its agricultural products, including lamb. This ensures that the meat meets high standards in terms of safety, quality and animal welfare.
No hormones or antibiotics:
New Zealand has strict regulations on the use of hormones and antibiotics in livestock farming. Therefore, growth hormones or unnecessary antibiotics are generally not routinely used in the production of New Zealand lamb.
Year-round supply:
New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere and can produce lamb year-round. This continuous supply ensures consumers have access to fresh New Zealand lamb at different times of the year.
Export to global markets:
New Zealand has been a major exporter of mutton to international markets for many years. The country's reputation for high-quality lamb has been built through consistent export practices, making it the first choice for consumers around the world.
Versatility in cooking applications:
New Zealand lamb is known for its versatility in cooking. This meat is suitable for a variety of cooking methods, from grilling to slow cooking, and pairs well with a variety of flavors and seasonings.
Promotion and Marketing:
New Zealand actively promotes its lamb on the global stage, emphasizing natural and sustainable farming practices, quality assurance and the unique taste of New Zealand lamb. This marketing effort earned it its reputation.
All in all, the combination of natural farming methods, pristine environment, premium breeds, strict quality standards and effective marketing efforts have created New Zealand lamb's reputation. It is generally considered as a premium product in the global market.