N.Z, eats more fish

Press, 22 January 1982, Page 12

N.Z, eats more fish

PA Wellington Figures released by the Fishing Industry Board show that New Zealanders are eating more fish.

On average, each person ate I.skg more fresh and frozen fish in 1980 than in 1979. a 12 per cent increase on the average figure of 13kg whole weight equivalent, the board said.

The general manager of the board, Mr N. I. Jarman, said that this increase continued a trend of greater fish consumption that had been developing in New Zealand over the last three to four years. This was partly a result of the greater quantity of fish now’ available and of people becoming more adventurous in trying unfamiliar species. However, board research had shown that the main reason for the increase was the boom in the restaurant trade that had taken place over the last decade in the main cities, especially in Wellington and Auckland, he said.

In contrast to earlier years, a wide variety of seafood dishes was being featured on hotel and restaurant menus, and many specialist seafood restaurants had been established.

The board was particularly pleased with the trend to greater seafood consumption as it had occurred against a background of greatly increased costs that had forced fish prices to a level where fish had to offer more than just a price advantage to compete with other food. Mr Jarman said. It was noticeable that there had not been similar increases in other countries where dietary patterns were similar to those in New Zealand.

Mr Jarman said he believed the board was nowseeing the benefits of its education programme in schools and its continuing promotional campaign aimed at increasing an awareness and knowledge of seafood cooking and eating.