100% Pure New Zealand (Butter)

New Zealand has an interesting position in the world. It is known for converting sunshine and rain into tourist visits and agricultural products.

While New Zealand is known for its exports of wine, dairy products, lamb, and forest products, Peter Jackson has also contributed enormously to both the reputation and economy of New Zealand with his eight Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films.  The films sparked a huge boost in tourism.

100% Pure New Zealand logo
(Source: https://farm1.nzstatic.com/visit/images/fbshare.jpg?&v=134)

New Zealand dairy industry was dealt a severe blow in 1973 when the UK entered the EEC. (The EEC later became the EU.) The UK was formerly the biggest export market for New Zealand's dairy exports and overnight the UK market was eliminated. (One reason why New Zealand dairy farmers are looking hopefully at the market opportunities created by Brexit.)

While Canadian diary cows spend a large part of their lives indoors, New Zealand cows are outside all year round. Some people feel that grass-fed cattle produce both better meat and better milk. And this is one of the selling points of this butter from New Zealand.

Kiwi Pure Butter packaging at Safeway, West Vancouver

The butter is not cheap, about four times the price of Safeway's house brand butter, but it is "Kiwi Pure" and "grass fed", claims that no Canadian dairy can make about its products.

 

Kiwi Pure Butter display at Safeway, West Vancouver

So, will consumers pay the higher price for "grass fed" New Zealand butter? If any consumers are likely to, it is the people who shop in this Safeway in West Vancouver. The neighbourhood has among the highest per capita incomes in Canada. At the very least, the product is in the right place.

PS Did I buy it? No, I bought butter to make the old family shortbread recipe and doubt if I could taste the difference.