Friday, March 29, 2024

Deer sales hit choke points

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Deer processors and exporters are digging deep as they explore all options available to reach consumers, Deer Industry NZ chief executive Innes Moffat says. The spread of covid-19 from Asia to Europe, North America and New Zealand and the closure of food service and hospitality establishments is causing significant issues.
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Programmes to promote venison to restaurants in the United States and Europe are taking a significant hit.

“We produce high-quality, valued and safe food and consumers still need our products but for now few of them are able to consume them in restaurants and cafes,” Moffat said.

Disruption to shipping routes, a drop in air-freight capacity a shortage of containers and space on wharves are further impeding business flow.

Marketers are now working with partners on the logistics and timing of shipments.

“Our export marketers have deep and diverse relationships with importers across a range of markets and they are examining all the options they have for reaching consumers.

“They are also placing a heavier emphasis on existing retail options.” 

Moffat said DINZ has suspended all events and meetings. 

“We know that some of the networks we have helped create are important for your connection and motivation.”

He encouraged farmer networks to continue to share news, views and support. 

“This is clearly not business as usual but we are open for business and we will continue to support your work and our industry to the best of our ability,” Moffat said.

DINZ market manager Rhys Griffiths said the escalation of covid-19 infections globally is having a serious impact on demand for NZ’s deer products.

China and Korea, NZ’s key velvet markets, were the first to feel the impact. 

While some Korean velvet importers said velvet consumption increased during the SARS outbreak in 2003 Griffiths is not getting excited.

“Overall, we can’t expect to see anything positive coming out of this. 

“We are deeply concerned about potential supply chain disruptions and the medium-term impact on demand from the predicted major downturn in economic activity.”

Griffiths said the industry’s focus has now moved to demand for NZ venison in Europe with the main impact not likely to be felt until next season. 

Venison marketing manager Nick Taylor said sales to wholesalers are down.

With European Union borders, venues, restaurants and even non-essential shops closed the summer Cervena programme will be affected. 

Venison marketers are looking for innovative ways to work around the changes in demand and reduction in restaurant sales and are using their international networks to find other customers, Taylor said. 

“But with conditions changing so rapidly it is very difficult to place all venison being produced.” 

DINZ is developing new recipes and resources for importers and wholesalers ready to support their promotional activities, Taylor said.

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