In 1882 a refrigerated machine was fitted onto the Dunedin, a 1,320-ton sailing ship bound for England. The cargo was a selection of New Zealand's best sheep and lambs. Despite a hazardous 12,000 mile journey the lamb arrived in excellent condition receiving high praise and the entire shipment was sold within two weeks. From small beginnings over 100 years ago New Zealand lamb has gone from strength to strength.

The Dunedin didn't do so well. After making 16 voyages between New Zealand and England she disappeared without trace, probably around Cape Horn possibly due to a storm or collision with an iceberg. She was carrying a crew of 34 and had sailed from Oamaru for London March 19, 1890 with a cargo of frozen meat and wool.

Company Background

The New Zealand Lamb Company was established over 40 years ago to import premium lamb from New Zealand into the North American market. Demand for New Zealand lamb steadily increased, due to the animals fine processing quality, leanness and unlike the domestic product sold was and is free of all growth promotants and other chemicals.

Today the New Zealand Lamb Company is the full service lamb company in North America. Through its sales and distribution network, we can provide standard lamb cuts as well as custom made cuts to best meet your needs.