How to better market velvet has been high on the list of topics for discussion at the Deer Industry New Zealand conference in Napier this week.

The industry’s troubles have been cushioned by favourable prices this season but the supply line problem hasn’t gone away.

DINZ chief executive Mark O’Connor says the needs must avoid turning velvet into just another tradable commodity.

Most New Zealand deer velvet is exported to South Korea.

And while velvet remains an attractive niche industry, venison continues to grapple with the economic woes of its main market.  Almost all New Zealand venison goes to Europe, but the market there is wobbling as it tries to save indebted members like Greece and stave off a currency crisis.

Mr. O’Connor says North America provides a small but lucrative buffer to Europe - but for now they’ll stay with their traditional market. And he says DINZ will continue to support a fledgling Asian industry as well.