New Zealanders could be getting priced out of red meat.

It comes as exporters look for the best paying global markets, to counter the growth of alternative plant-based proteins.

Beef and Lamb's Rod Slater told Mike Hosking there's no question red meat is expensive at the moment as export prices continue to rise.

"We in NZ are at the mercy of export markets, which in many ways is a
good thing. 92 per cent of the lamb produced in this country is exported and around 60 per cent of the beef is exported, so we are basically price takers."

Slater says that does means it's more expensive for us but there's still the opportunity to eat meat economically if you buy right.

Plant-based proteins is the reason for the rise, with meat becoming more pricey to distance it from the alternatives.

Slater says there's no question there'll be a future for alternatives but there'll always be a market for meat.

"At the moment, there's a hell of a lot of hype and promotion with the money behind it, but frankly, when it comes to the taste, it doesn't live up to it."

 

LISTEN TO ROD SLATER TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE