Optimism On Prospects For Lamb In Europe

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31089, 18 June 1966, Page 19

Optimism On Prospects For Lamb In Europe

fV.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 17. •'New Zealand lamb has proved a tremendous success with Italian and Swiss people when it can get through to them,” said Mr C. Hilgendorf, a member of the Meat Board who returned to New Zealand this week after representing the board at the conference of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers in London. Mr Hilgendorf said that at the Rome Fair people rushed ‘ the long counter where free samples of New Zealand lamb

were being cooked on a rotisserie. The samples were so popular that a form of traffic control past the stand had to be organised. Mr Hilgendorf said that about 200 tons of lamb recently permitted into Switzerland was sold within 36 hours. An advertising programme had been planned but proved unnecessary. It was obvious that substantial demand could be developed in Switzerland. “I am quite confident that iin many parts of Europe the people can be persuaded to appreciate and buy our lamb in substantial quantity, provided access can be obtained,” said Mr Hilgendorf. “There are many types of barriers to be overcome. For instance, in Italy it is not permissible for frozen meat to be sold alongside fresh meat and in Switzerland, as in so many other European countries, we have hurdles to overcome before the product can gain entry in substantial quantity. “New Zealand will have to maintain political pressure for the right to trade. “If we can achieve that, I am sure we have a strong future for lamb in Europe,” he said.