Japanese Pleased By N.Z. Produce

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31230, 30 November 1966, Page 8

Japanese Pleased By N.Z. Produce

(New Zealand Preee Ajteociation)

WELLINGTON, November 28.

The managing director of one of New Zealand’s biggest customers for mutton, Mr Masami Ito, of the Ito Ham Provisions Com-> pany of Japan, left New Zealand tonight a confirmed enthusiast for New Zealand mutton and lamb and eager to develop trade in cheese, vegetables and fruit, says the Meat Board.

Mr Ito's company buys thou- . sands of tons of New Zealand ] mutton a year for processing , and retail distribution in i

Japan. His firm is helping the Meat Board in the test marketing of New Zealand lamb in cities of Western Japan. Mr Ito was accompanied on a six-day visit by Mr H. Moriya, manager for importing, and Mr K. Wakayama, manager for sales. “We have been delighted to be pioneers in the buying of New Zealand mutton and now in New Zealand lamb,” Mr Ito said. "JVe also want to expand our business and to import vegetables and fruit. “In the shortjtime we have been here we nive been astounded at the beduty of New Zealand country and delighted at the fine quality of produce and particularly at the big scale meat works, sto<*k yards, canning and dairy factories that you have. “The purpose of ou? trip was to repay the visit hjade by the New Zealand economic and good-will mission led by Sir John Ormond, whom ute had the privilege of receiving at the Ito Ham Factory at Nishinomiya,” said Mr Ito.