N.Z. marketers criticised

Press, 2 June 1982, Page 12

N.Z. marketers criticised

PA Auckland The New Zealand performance in the processing and marketing of some of its primary products, particularly meat, has been criticised by an Auckland farming leader. The retiring president of Auckland Federated Farmers, Mr David. Frith, told the annual conference of the A.F.F. that New Zealand performance had to become more efficient between the farm gate and the market. “We can no'longer afford absenteeism, the non-intro-duction of technology, and a host of agreements that bring the cost of processing above the value of the animal that is being processed,” he said. “Nor can we afford a lack of discipline in the marketing of our products, where Ngw Zealand firms bid down the price against one another to secure a sale." Mr Frith , said the dairy industry was going from strength to strength in its

rationalisation and in its marketing endeavours. But the meat and wool industry and some industries producing other products had a lot of work to do in finding, developing, and providing customers throughout the world with what they required, he said. “I am concerned about the little we spend on market research and development regarding some of our products, meat in particular,” Mr Frith said. “I do not accept the view that we have to remain price takers or that trade restrictions and protectionism are going to be an insurmountable'hurdle.” Mr Frith said food and fibre, such as wool, would always be required. While the perfect market, with no restrictions arid price rises to cover costs, could be a ;dream, the real world was one of competition, changing markets, new wealth, new customers, arid niche markets, he said.