NATURAL & NUTRITIOUS Demand for eggs keeps on growing. Kiwi shoppers love convenient, natural, local ingredients. The recent trend towards reducing meat consumption also means that consumers are looking for alternative, low-cost protein sources. Eggs are a highly nutritious food that can make an important contribution to a healthy, well-balanced diet. They are a natural source of at least 11 different vitamins and minerals as well as high quality protein, omega-3 fats and antioxidants. The New Zealand Nutrition Foundation suggests eating up to six eggs a week as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Eggs need to be stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight (and at home ideally in the fridge). Temperature, humidity and careful handling all contribute to freshness. Most commercially produced eggs in New Zealand reach supermarkets within a few days of being laid. The best before date on egg cartons tells you how long the eggs inside it stay ‘fresh’ if they are kept refrigerated after purchase. During this time there is little change in the nutritional value of the egg, but the appearance and qualities of the egg may change as the egg ages. New Zealand has around 180 egg farms and one of the most ideal egg farming environments, being free from many of the pests and disease strains that other countries experience. We lead the world in many areas of farm practice and animal welfare. Kiwis are now eating around 250 eggs per person per year, more than double the 100 we were eating in the early 20th century. As the demand for eggs has grown, our farming methods have had to evolve and expand in order to meet the nation’s need for around one billion eggs per year.
Independent Eggs Co-operative Ltd “Produced and supplied by our cooperative of 100% NZ-owned, regionally-based, family farms, the New Day and Morning Harvest 18
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brands are packed with locally-produced, fresh, quality eggs and delivered with reliability and care via your local family farm,” says General Manager Susan Bamfield. As members of Independent Egg Producers Co-operative Ltd (IEP), many of the farms have been in the same family for generations. As a result, an ongoing passion for time-honoured tradition coupled with modern farming technology, ensure eggs of not only excellent quality, but also representing ‘local’, ‘community’ and ‘provenance’ are packed into every single carton and tray. Not only that, each local farmer has also invested in the ‘Trace My Egg’ stamping technology, ensuring that every New Day free-range and Morning Harvest barn egg is stamped in accordance with the ‘Trace My Egg’ compliance programme (www. tracemyegg.co.nz). This means that both stockists and consumers can purchase these brands knowing the exact source farm for each individual egg and, more importantly, with the absolute confidence and security of knowing that these eggs are genuinely and authentically ‘true to label’, explains Bamfield. To place your orders or for further information please contact 0800 787 327 or email info@independenteggs.co.nz
