Beef and Lamb New Zealand says most kiwis are opting for a traditional style meal. (file picture) Photo: Supplied / Retail Meat New Zealand
Lamb looks set to be the meat of choice for many people in New Zealand this Christmas, according to a survey.
Of more than 1000 people surveyed, over 38 percent said they were going to cook lamb for Christmas dinner, 35 percent said ham, and just over 13 percent of people will be eating beef.
Beef and Lamb New Zealand chief executive Kit Arkwright said most kiwis were opting for a traditional style meal with a barbecue as a second preference, and 18.5 percent of respondents said they would be catering for a big crowd.
"Of those polled 36.8 percent said they expect to have 10 or more people for Christmas Day and 40.2 percent will spend two to three days preparing for their Christmas feast.
"58.3 percent said they will be eating their main Christmas meal between midday and 2pm on Christmas Day with 24 percent eating after 2pm in the afternoon."
Nearly 70 percent of respondents said spending time with family was their favourite part of the festive season, which was up from 61.6 percent last year, Arkwright said.
"17 percent said that they are celebrating with more family and friends this year due to Covid restrictions having been lifted, with 39.6 percent saying they will be scaling down their Christmas due to economic pressure."
The survey was conducted by Retail Meat New Zealand alongside Beef and Lamb New Zealand and NZPork.