It also appears that the number one vegetable those asked can’t do Christmas without is the potato (roasted of course), closely followed by the parsnip (also roasted!) and for one dedicated staff member, it’s Brussels sprouts, smothered in olive oil.

“And all of it locally grown too, if possible,” says HortNZ president, Julian Raine. “The festive season highlights how important Country of Origin Labelling is to consumers. People want to know they’re eating New Zealand-grown when they sit down to their favourite meal.”

HortNZ has long campaigned for the introduction of mandatory Country of Origin Labelling for food and drink sold in New Zealand.

“Many, many other countries have this, we don’t,” Raine adds.

HortNZ has some tips for identifying New Zealand produce. Labelling that contains the words ‘Product of New Zealand’ means the food was grown and produced in New Zealand.

It suggests that consumers should be careful with ‘Made in New Zealand’, as this can simply mean the product has been packed or assembled in New Zealand from imported products.

“Kiwi shoppers have a lot of delicious seasonal produce available to them during the festive season. If you can’t tell if something on the shelf at your retailer is locally grown – ASK! Get out there and make the most of the tasty summerfruit, berries, and vegetables that make summer what it is to Kiwis,” Raine says.