An introduced species
Deer are not native to New Zealand, as they were introduced to New Zealand in the late 1800s from Great Britain and released into the wild to provide sport for the European settlers. Deer were so suited to New Zealand’s temperate climate and abundant food that they rapidly multiplied and started to damage New Zealand's native forests. In the 1930's, the government enlisted professional hunters to control the population.
During the 1960's, entrepreneurs recognised the opportunity to ship venison to Europe, where it was traditionally a favoured dish. Hunting became so lucrative that the deer population dwindled to the point that farming deer to supply venison to the rapidly growing European market became economically viable. In 1970, the first deer farming license was issued.
A modern food industry
Today there are just under one million deer farmed on around 1,200 farms in New Zealand. New Zealand is the #1 source worldwide for farm-raised venison, with the US, Germany, China, Switzerland, France, and Sweden all major importers of New Zealand venison.
New Zealand’s venison processing plants are efficient, modern food processing facilities, meeting the highest food safety standards demanded by the European Union, the US and other national food inspection agencies.
A wide variety of ready-to-cook venison cuts are produced to meet the needs of individual customers around the world.
Simple and versatile
Available in a range of cuts to suit any meal occasion, tender farm-raised venison is available from a wide variety of supermarkets and butchers throughout New Zealand.
Why is farm-raised New Zealand venison so good?
IT'S LEAN: Venison from young deer contains virtually no fat. Common retail cuts are 97-99% fat free and so provide high-quality protein with very little fat.
IT'S DELICIOUS: New Zealand’s farm raised venison does not have the strong “gamey” flavour from wild deer that many find off-putting. A grass-based diet, careful selection and the world’s best processing means that New Zealand venison is a culinary delight.
IT'S EASY TO COOK: Farm-raised venison requires virtually no preparation. Take the meat from the packet, sprinkle with a little pepper, cook to medium rare, serve (after resting!) and enjoy. Easy as.