ANZCO Foods CEO Update - May 2026

While global events can feel a long way from the farm gate, situations like the current conflict in the Middle East are a reminder of how connected our industry is to international shipping and markets.

Very little of ANZCO Foods’ product goes to the Middle East. However, the conflict has contributed to increased global shipping costs through higher fuel prices and insurance surcharges.

The positive news is that demand for New Zealand beef and lamb remains strong internationally, as Rick outlines in his column. New Zealand exporters also supply more than 100 markets around the world, which gives the sector flexibility when disruption occurs in one region.

At this stage, exports into the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and North America are continuing as normal, and are starting to see opportunities into Middle Eastern markets reopen for business. Across the sector, companies are working closely with their logistics providers and modelling different scenarios to help manage the disruption.

Like farmers, exporters are used to operating in an environment where conditions can change quickly. The sector has strong experience managing volatility and redirecting product where required. And closer to home there are currently no concerns around available cold storage capacity.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely, but at this stage the overall outlook for ANZCO and the wider New Zealand red meat exports remains positive despite the current disruption.