Print helps to promote kiwi exports

     Did you know that 90% of sheep and lamb and 80% of beef meat produced in New Zealand each year is exported?*

The meat industry is New Zealand’s second largest food export, worth around $5 billion a year*. New Zealand meat is well known for its freshness, quality and taste. When it comes to exporting meat, strict guidelines have to be met including information on all products. Labels on meat packaging play an important role, providing the customer with the type of meat, date packed and expiry date.

Invercargill company McDowall Print has produced print labels for exporters for over 30 years. They work with meat and dairy exporters who supply markets in the Middle East and China. Over time printing technology has changed dramatically and with the installation of their brand new digital press, McDowall Print is using the latest technology advances to print at super fast speeds.

Each morning the meat processors send through the information required to be printed on the labels, which is then added onto a standard template at McDowall Print.

Large print runs numbering in the thousands on any one day mean fast turnaround times are essential to get the labels back to the meat processor in the afternoon and onto the packaging, to ensure the meat is exported with maximum freshness.

McDowall Print managing director, John McDowall, says they had to go through a rigorous process in order to become a preferred supplier to their clients.

“We are proud to play our part in helping exporters market their products. Labels are vital especially on food items – think of how many items in a supermarket feature labels and where we would be without them.”

One of the meat exporters, who for commercial reasons will remain anonymous, has worked closely with McDowall Print for 25 years.

Their marketing manager says they export export halal meat to a wide range of markets but predominantly Saudi Arabia and Jordon.

“We have 30% of the lamb meat export market with up to 100,000 tonnes sold into over 60 countries each year.

“We have a very good relationship with McDowall Print. They have always been very quick to adapt to our needs and invest in new technology to meet the job requirements,” he said.

For more information about McDowall Print, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

*http://business.newzealand.com/common/files/Meat-industry-in-New-Zealand.pdf