Ham tops lamb as New Zealanders' favourite Christmas meat: survey

A survey found 34.8% of Kiwis will serve ham as their main protein on Christmas day.

Retail Meat New Zealand’s Great Kiwi Christmas Survey results are in and ham has edged lamb out to become the top choice for New Zealanders’ festive tables.

However, it was a tight race with 34.8% of Kiwis serving ham as their main protein on December 25, slightly ahead of lamb at 34.6%.

The results highlight the close competition between these two beloved staples and reflect New Zealand’s strong culinary traditions during the holiday season.

NZPork chief executive Brent Kleiss said lamb and ham went head to head annually for the top spot on the Christmas table and this year was no different.

He said it was a good time to remind shoppers to make sure they bought New Zealand ham, citing the 100% NZ Bacon & Ham Awards as a good place to start.

“This list represents the best of the best of 100% New Zealand ham,” he said.

Elsewhere in the survey, Kiwis are set to embrace classic and modern traditions alike this year.

Almost half (47.8%) planned a traditional roast with all the trimmings, while 35.5% will opt for a barbecue with fresh summer salads.

Noon was the most popular time to gather around the table, with 48.9% of respondents sitting down to their main meal then.

On the dessert front, pavlova remained an icon with nearly 70% of Kiwis planning to indulge in this classic favourite, while trifle (45.1%) and brandy snaps (30.6%) rounded out the top sweet treats.

Ovens will be working overtime this year, with 60.7% of Kiwis planning to prepare their main meals using this trusty method and 36.4% will fire up the barbecue.

Beyond the menu, Kiwis cherish the moments spent with loved ones.

The survey shows 89% of respondents view time with family as the most important part of Christmas, far outweighing other aspects such as gifts or the festive spirit.

Backyard barbecues (28.8%), cricket games (29.5%), and travelling to visit relatives (35.9%) featured strongly among the nostalgic memories that define the holiday season.

More about the survey

The annual Retail Meat New Zealand Great Kiwi Christmas Survey is now in its seventh year and offers a glimpse into what makes up a Kiwi Christmas.

It is run by Retail Meat New Zealand in conjunction with Beef+Lamb New Zealand and NZPork.

About 1200 respondents shared their festive plans this year, from favourite dishes to cherished traditions.

The survey was promoted via social media channels and electronic newsletters of Retail Meat New Zealand, Beef+Lamb New Zealand and NZPork.

Entrants were incentivised to enter, with the opportunity to win one of five $200 meat vouchers.