Over 100 of Northland's growers, producers and hospitality businesses came together for the Food & Beverage Industry Hui. Held at The Duke of Marlborough in Russell and led by the regional economic development agency Northland inc, the hui aimed to provide a platform for the industry to reconnect following Covid-19 and engage in discussion.
Panel discussions from various industry representatives took place, covering topics that included marketing, staffing and industry collaboration.
Northland Inc Food and Beverage Ambassador and event organiser, Justine Stuart, said that attendance and engagement at the event exceeded expectations.
"It was fantastic to see over 100 of our food and beverage community in the room during the Food Hui, representing many of the region's iconic hospitality providers, producers and growers of some of Northland's best food and beverage products."
For Stuart, the event's strong turnout reflects the years of building strong industry engagement in the sector, which has connected businesses and created abundant collaboration opportunities.
After the hui, 25 Northland producers and growers displayed their products, including seawater salt from The Taipa Salt Pig and artisan goats milk cheese from Belle Chèvre Creamery. Northland's vineyards, distilleries and breweries were showcased, bringing hospitality professionals together to share ideas and establish connections.
General Manager of Destination, Tania Burt, added that the Food & Beverage Industry Hui provided a great platform to experience the quality and depth of food and beverage experiences available in Northland.
The hui follows the opening of the Northland NZ "Long Lunching, Northland Style", a campaign that aims to promote the region's food and beverage sector to the domestic visitor market.
