Lamb the top choice on Christmas Day - The Great Kiwi Christmas Survey 2020
The results of the most important vote of the year are in; lamb will be the most popular protein on Kiwis’ plates on Christmas Day.
The result comes as part of the Classic Kiwi Christmas Survey – the third edition of the poll run by Retail Meat New Zealand.
The poll of over 1,800 Kiwis covering a range of Christmas traditions, saw lamb rise to the top as the go-to meat of choice with 37% of respondents saying they’ll be serving it for Christmas. Ham was a very close second with 32% and beef came third with 13%.
With lockdowns and a lack of travel impacting everyone in 2020, it’s unsurprising that 93% of respondents stated that spending time at Christmas with family was the most important part of Christmas – a three percent increase on 2019.
40% of respondents stated they would be spending Christmas Day with 10 or more people. However, feeding all those friends and family can be stressful. Alto Young Butcher of the Year James Smith – aka The Tattooed Butcher – had some wise words for anyone feeling a little overwhelmed about feeding the family.
“My motto is ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. Christmas Day can be stressful especially when you have friends and family expectedly waiting for the best meal of the year. So, don’t go in deep and cook something you’ve never tried, the key is to practice and prepare to ensure you feel confident on the big day. And if in doubt, go and speak to your local butcher who will give you all the help you need.”
Cooking methods for the meat on the day were dominated by ovens and BBQs, capturing 62% and 34% respectively – which represents a significant swing to ovens from 2019 when it was much tighter at 51% and 43%.
Potatoes (91%), assorted mixed salads (75%), and kumara (61%) were voted as the most popular side dishes to keep lamb company on the plate, with pavlova taking out the top spot for the most popular dessert for the third year running.
Once everyone has been fed, attention turns to some quality time with the family. Top activities for New Zealanders included (naturally) opening presents (82%), backyard games (52%), and 42% having a sleep (aka a food coma). 5% of respondents stated they’d be getting out for a fish on the big day.
Regardless of what kai you’ll be eating and games you’ll be playing, this festive season have a laugh, create new memories and enjoy Christmas with those you love. It’s the least you deserve after the year we’ve all had.
Here are some other Christmas trends that we wanted to share with you:
Eating two meals on Christmas Day is the preferred option for Kiwis (55%)
Most Kiwis (56%) will be eating their main Christmas meal in the early afternoon (12pm-2pm)
Despite it being the traditional Christmas main meat of choice in other western countries, turkey is not favoured here in Aotearoa, with only 7% of Kiwis choosing the big bird
Most Kiwis (62%) estimate they’ll have one to two days’ worth of leftovers after Christmas Day
The much-maligned brussels sprout will only be gracing the plates of 7% of respondents.