Fine Food NZ packed with features to fuel industry growth in 2014

Fine Food New Zealand (Fine Food NZ) returns to Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds from 22 to 24 June 2014, showcasing the best and most innovative products and services to the foodservice, hospitality, and food retail industries.

“The show couldn’t come at a better time, with strong growth tipped for the sector,” says Dona White, CEO of North Port Events, the Auckland company that organises Fine Food NZ.

The biennial event is anticipated to outstrip the success of the Fine Food NZ 2012 show – 70% of its exhibition space has already been sold, 10% more exhibition space has been added to meet demand, and more than 1000 top quality buyers have already pre-registered, including visitors from China, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Thailand, the Pacific Islands, and New Zealand.

“The show has been a huge success since its inception in 2010 – and we’re confident the 2014 show will easily surpass its predecessors with an anticipated 300 exhibitors,” says Dona White.

“We’re delighted to welcome back the continued support of major stakeholders such as Moffatt, Southern Hospitality, Burns & Ferrall, and Gilmours. We have also seen many new companies join the show for the first time, including award-winning coffee brand Icoco, Berica – with sustainable packaging solutions, and NB International, which is launching its Brazilian cheese bread at the show.

“Fine Food NZ serves the foodservice, hospitality, and food retail industries by providing a highly concentrated one-stop-shop for business owners and operators, plus relevant educational and networking opportunities. Independent research carried out by Covec confirms that Fine Food NZ really delivers on its promise to exhibitors and buyers alike, connecting suppliers with thousands of new customers and helping New Zealand businesses to grow.”

Hospitality, food, drink, accommodation, and tourism are all hugely important industries in the New Zealand economy, employing about 5% of Kiwi workers. The restaurant trade alone contributes more than $7 billion a year to New Zealand’s bottom line.

2013 was a great year for the hospitality industry reflecting the strengthening of the NZ economy. Figures released by Paymark comparing August 2012 with August 2013 show year-on-year growth among cafés and restaurants of 11.7%, bars and clubs of 7.4%, and accommodation providers of 9.3%. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand (RANZ) 2013 Hospitality Report projected a 3% increase in nationwide sales across the restaurant sector in 2013 to $7.19 billion, plus a 1% increase in those employed in the industry taking the overall workforce to 104,525.

“While the economic outlook is improving, hospitality businesses need to keep on top of ongoing challenges such as high labour costs, sourcing skilled workers, and the demands of a crowded marketplace. This is where Fine Food NZ 2014 provides real value, enabling hospitality sector owners and operators to take time out from the daily grind to reassess their business direction, find new products and suppliers, and make great decisions,” says Dona White.

“The show attracts New Zealand’s biggest range of trade exhibitors and provides real insights into the future of the industry. Visitors find it a truly inspirational experience that gives them new tools to tackle the challenges they face in the marketplace and helps them bring fresh ideas to their businesses that really make a difference.”

All the major hospitality industry associations are back on board for Fine Food NZ 2014, including the Restaurant Association of New Zealand (RANZ), Baking Industry Association of New Zealand (BIANZ), New Zealand Chefs Association (NZCA), NZ Food & Grocery Council (FGC), and Hospitality New Zealand (HNZ).

Many of these organisations will hold their AGMs, awards dinners, and national competitions alongside or within the event, including the BIANZ Bakery of the Year Competition, the NZCA Gourmet Pacific Challenge, the RANZ Barista Smackdown, and more.

New to Fine Food NZ this year is the ‘The Barista Smackdown’ presented in partnership with the Restaurant Association of New Zealand sponsored by Tiger Coffee and IncaF'e, with exclusive milk sponsor Meadow Fresh. This high adrenaline, visual extravaganza with wild cards and challenges, will see the top baristas compete head-to-head in knockout heats to create the perfect coffee. Cash prizes and spot prizes will be up for grabs along with the accolade of Smackdown Champion.

Free registration for trade visitors is now available for Fine Food NZ 2014 online at www.finefoodnz.co.nz until Friday 13 June 2014. Registrations after 13 June incur a $20 fee.

Prospective exhibitors should contact Tim Wilson, Exhibition Sales Manager, Fine Food New Zealand, on 09 376 4604, 021 083 71526, or email tim@finefoodnz.co.nz.

Fine Food New Zealand is a trade exhibition for the foodservice, retail, and hospitality industries organised by North Port Events in partnership with Diversified Exhibitions Australia. The show is part of the Fine Food group of exhibitions that includes Fine Food Australia, Fine Food Western Australia, Fine Food Queensland, and Fine Food India.