McDonald's New Zealand is introducing two new premium Angus beef burgers to its menu line up which will add significant value to the New Zealand beef industry.
McDonald's predicts that it will purchase an additional 500,000 kg of New Zealand Angus beef in 2009, bringing its annual beef purchase total to approximately 5.2 million kg - up from 4.7 million kg in 2008.
Angus is a premium grade of beef sourced from certified New Zealand Angus beef farms, and is renowned worldwide for its rich flavour.
McDonald's New Zealand Managing Director Mark Hawthorne says the introduction of the new Angus range represents a considerable boost to the local Angus supply, and is further evidence of the company's commitment to offering customers good value without sacrificing quality.
"Despite the economic situation, New Zealanders are still demanding a premium dining experience, quality ingredients and ongoing value. The Angus burger delivers this quality to our customers, together with the things they love and expect from McDonald's including great value, convenience and good service.
"McDonald's customers can dine out at our restaurants and enjoy a burger that is a little bit fancy yet still affordable," says Hawthorne.
The new Angus range will increase the total volume of quality New Zealand beef sourced by McDonald's by 10 per cent in 2009, and will use independently verified Angus beef from farms in Waikato, Canterbury, Taranaki and the Hawkes Bay.
"We're expecting to purchase more than 5 million kg of New Zealand beef for our restaurants in 2009, in addition to the 20 million kg of New Zealand beef that is exported from New Zealand farms to McDonald's markets around the world.
"McDonald's employs over 8,000 Kiwis nationwide in our 145 restaurants of which over 80 per cent are locally owned by franchisees. We're committed to sourcing quality local ingredients like Angus beef and we're one of the biggest supporters of the beef industry in New Zealand," adds Hawthorne.
The news has received support from the country's Angus beef farmers as the move will add considerable value to the industry in New Zealand.
AngusPure Ltd spokesperson Tim Brittain says the beef industry has welcomed the news.
"The feedback from New Zealand Angus cattle farmers at today's announcement has been overwhelmingly positive and the Angus industry is very excited to partner McDonald's in this new premium burger range. McDonald's is a key customer to our industry and we value their ongoing support and appreciate their loyalty to home grown, grass-fed beef," says Brittain.
"In addition to raising awareness of Angus beef I believe that this initiative will provide Kiwi's with the opportunity to enjoy a premium quality Angus beef burger at an affordable price."
The Angus beef burgers are available as a permanent menu option at McDonald's restaurants nationwide from 26 August.