We thought it was about time this modern, dynamic business sector had its own portion of cyber-space, so here we are. MeatExportNZ covers production, processing and marketing of lamb, mutton, beef, veal, venison or any of the co-products. If you are working in, or for, the New Zealand meat cold chain at any point from production through to consumption, or simply want to keep up-to-date, then join us, subscribe to the blog (see side-bar on the front page), comment and discuss.
Scroll down to learn more about your editor and our regular contributors.
Hailing originally from the UK, Ali 
Spencer (Editor) has spent over 25 years working with the New Zealand trade not only here in New Zealand, but also in the UK and Europe. She regularly contributes meat industry material for Food New Zealand and more occasionally for Vetscript. In the past, she has also contributed material for Deer Industry News, NZ Meat Producer and European News (the former NZ Meat Board’s European newsletter).
CONTRIBUTORS
Well respected NZ meat industry commentator, Allan Barber, is a regular contributor to MeatExportNZ. He is a freelance agricultural journalist, specialising in the meat industry. He writes a monthly staff newsletter for Auckland Meat Processors and also produces columns for NZ Farmers Weekly and Interest.co.nz and also from time-to-time for other publications including the Angus Cattleman. His previous life saw him working for many years as a chief executive (Elders Pastoral), chief operating officer (AFFCO) and general manager (Quality Packers division of LD Nathan) and marketing and export manager for other companies, Allan became a business consultant advising on strategy, company structure and corporate governance. In recent years he has worked primarily in agribusiness. Allan and his wife run a boutique bed and breakfast outside Matakana where he grazes the next door farmers’ cattle on part of their section, as he believes his abilities are better devoted to maintaining the property and writing about the meat industry, rather than trying to be a lifestyle farmer. Allan also maintains his own blog, Barber’s Meaty Issues.
More occasional contributor, Fiona Carruthers joined Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc (B+LNZ Inc) as Nutrition Manager in 2001, coming from a meat industry background in the UK. Fiona works closely with health professionals, consumers, scientists, the Government and the media promoting the importance of red meat in a healthy diet. Her passion for excellence in nutrition communication is illustrated by her ability to use scientific knowledge appropriately, ensuring relevance to all target audiences. Fiona has chaired the International Meat Secretariat Human Nutrition and Health Committee and is currently Chair of the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation. She lives in southern New Zealand in the heart of sheep country and, away from work, enjoys running, skiing, cycling and exploring her adopted home.
Another occasional contributor is sustainability expert Kevin O’Grady is principal consultant with Pinnacle Quality (formerly Pinnacle Consulting) and, while he has worked in and for the New Zealand meat industry in the past, is currently based in Australia. Pinnacle Quality is a multi-disciplinary group offering a complete range of sustainability and quality-based business solutions. Through knowledge of emerging high-end sustainability standards and legislative requirements, Pinnacle helps businesses build on their sustainability systems and identify commercial and competitive advantage.
Keep up-to-date
It’s easy to keep up-to-date. Subscribe for email updates that you can tailor to a daily or weekly service or, if you prefer, click the RSS feed button in the left-hand column on the front page to get an instant notification for posts and/or comments. You can also join the LinkedIn MeatExportNZ group for closed discussion of meat industry matters.
Invitation to join debate
If you feel you have something positive to contribute, let us know!