Home » News » Air New Zealand’s “Impossible Burger” dubbed a “slap in the face” for New Zealand’s red meat sector

6 July, 2018

Air New Zealand’s “Impossible Burger” dubbed a “slap in the face” for New Zealand’s red meat sector

PSA to all vegetarians: apparently you can’t have nice things.

Earlier this week, Air New Zealand excited non-meat-eaters everywhere by announcing that a meat free burger would be served on board certain flights from LA to New Zealand.

The “Impossible Burger” contains a plant-based meat substitute patty, and is the brainchild of Silicon Valley food tech start-up Impossible Foods.

The popular burger is available in 2500 different restaurants in the United States, and Air New Zealand’s inflight customer experience manager Niki Chave said that the airline was excited about the launch, but that it would still be served along meat-eater alternatives. You know, like how there’s always a vegetarian option on board.

“We’re confident vegetarians, flexitarians and dedicated meat lovers alike will enjoy the delicious taste of the Impossible Burger, but for those who want to stay with the tried and true it will sit alongside our regular selection of menu items prepared by our talented culinary team and consultant chefs,” she said.

But only a few days after the launch, the promotion of the Impossible Burger had been labelled a “slap in the face” for New Zealand’s red meat sector, according to news.com.au.

We told you: vegetarians can’t have nice things.

This comment comes from the non-vegetarian, anti-veggie-burger politician Mark Patterson, who is New Zealand First party’s primary industries spokesman. And is apparently very, very passionate about how this burger will completely destroy the New Zealand beef industry.

“The national carrier should be showcasing our premium quality grass-fed New Zealand red meat, not promoting a product that has the potential to pose an existential threat to New Zealand’s second biggest export earner,” he said.

“There has been widespread concern in the regions at the loss of services from provincial airports and now we have Air New Zealand actively promoting synthetic proteins which have a genetic modification component to them. This is not a good example of New Zealand Inc working together for the greater good.”

Patterson also called for Air New Zealand to showcase premium New Zealand produce instead of a tasty vegetarian option. Hmmm.

But guys, he’s not the only one!

NZ National Party agriculture spokesman Nathan Guy also tweeted his disappointment over the promotion.

Disappointing to see Air NZ promoting a GE substitute meat burger on its flights to the USA. We produce the most delicious steaks & lamb on the planet – GMO & hormone free. The national carrier should be pushing our premium products and helping sell NZ to the world.
— Nathan Guy (@NathanGuyOtaki) July 3, 2018

According to news.com.au, as of June 2018, meat products were worth $1.6 billion to the New Zealand economy, whilst as of April 2018, tourism was worth $13.4 billion to the economy.

Just remember never to eat meat substitutes if you’re a vegetarian – only pure New Zealand red meat will do. Apparently.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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