The Auckland Food Show, which is in its 15th year, is the biggest food event in the country which typically sees 35,000 people visit across a four-day period from tomorrow until August 2.
The show is effectively New Zealand’s most successful culinary exhibition, which enables tens of thousands of people to taste and buy from a huge range of the very best food, drink, and kitchen equipment from NZ and around the world. It is akin to a massive delicatessen and kitchenware shop all rolled into one.
Currently some of NZ’s finest food producers are preparing for show at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds, including thirty one artisan and boutique food businesses taking part in the popular Auckland on the Menu pop up exhibition space.
Auckland on the Menu has been a feature of The Food Show in Auckland since 2012, with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) organising the space to showcase food and beverage businesses and emerging food trends.
Patrick McVeigh, ATEED’s GM for business, innovation and skills, says the producers taking part in Auckland on the Menu this year are reflecting current trends in the food and beverage industry.
“Auckland and our surrounding regions are renowned for quality wine, seafood, fresh produce and an innovative approach to new product development, and these will all combine at Auckland on the Menu this year.
“Visitors to Auckland on the Menu this year will find out how food can introduce them to a healthier way of living, with a focus on gluten-free and paleo products,” he says.
ATEED has worked with many businesses taking part in Auckland on the Menu, providing advice on subjects ranging from sourcing suppliers through to attracting investors.
One such business is CleanPaleo, an Auckland-based health food company founded by The Bachelor star Arthur Green, Black Caps fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan and Ryan Kamins, which produces four health products based on the paleo or “caveman” diet.
In awareness of people living in need, the show has partnered with Auckland City Mission.
The Mission provides vital services to people living in desperate need by providing emergency food parcels, homeless outreach and a medical centre. This year, its team of Winter Warriors will be providing around 11,000 emergency food parcels to people across the city. Donations by exhibitors – both perishable and not – at the show will contribute to these food parcels, which are distributed to families that have run out of options and need immediate help.
The Mission will have a stand at the show (Stand Number H8) where volunteers will be fundraising through the sale of Mission note cards and donation buckets. There will also be a display about the Mission’s services and how these impact the community.
For further information visit: www.foodshow.co.nz.
