Serving up a taste for pork | Oamaru News | Local News in Oamaru

The award-winning Waitaki Bacon and Ham company is launching a new store in Timaru, but vows to continue using local products.

Pork farmers Gus and Sue Morton have been operating the business since 2007 alongside the Waitaki River with their breed of Hampshire pigs.

Their latest venture, The Pork Pantry, will however be situated in Timaru where they are now processing their own pork.

Mrs Morton said they had hoped to continue in North Otago, but couldn't secure or locate adequate premises.

"It is a bit unfortunate that we couldn't operate in our hometown of Oamaru due to inability to source the right location," she said.

"However the concept of the Pork Pantry is so unique that it can be implemented around New Zealand."

Mrs Morton said their pigs are killed in Timaru and then return to the new site in Redruth Street.

"So it is quite brilliant to have this  fingerprint of traceability - giving the consumer huge confidence especially around country of origin as we are doing it all now," Mrs Morton said.

Work on developing the Pork Pantry started in March  and it will offer  common and rare cuts of pork.

"We want to get New Zealand families and individuals confident with cooking pork, bacon or ham," she said.

"It's education and information that is lacking for consumers. To [let them] feel confident cooking anything from bacon to pork belly."

Mrs Morton said that while the shop will be in South Canterbury they still want to use the wide range of North Otago produce.

This will be promoted by working with New Zealand chefs who will feature at the Pantry offering cooking demonstrations, tips, tastings and recipes.

"There are so many fantastic growers out there with wonderful products that work well with pork," she said.

"We aim to partner alongside them."

Mr Morton has had 30 years working in the industry and Mrs Morton, who was the Oamaru Her Business network co-ordinator, is now focusing on the brand and marketing.

From this Sunday they will also become a regular feature at the Oamaru Farmers' Market