When Fine Food New Zealand launches in Auckland next year, it will have the backing of the very best.

North Port Events, which is bringing the trade-only show to these shores, has a fabulous food pedigree. "We know food well, and we are well-known - as well as lauded - for our successes," says Dona White, CEO of North Port Events.

The company is responsible for running The Food Show, which has grown to assume a national prominence since its inception 11 years ago. The show that has never stopped growing can now add some significant international prizes to its history of achievements. It won Best Consumer Show under 10,000 square metres and Best New Zealand show in the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia Awards in 2008, and is once again a finalist.

These are the strengths that North Port Events brings to Fine Food New Zealand. By partnering with the organisers of Fine Food Australia - an event with a quarter-century history of trade show expertise  - the Auckland show will to re-ignite the local food industry, while boosting it with an international flavour.

The benefits of this trans-Tasman togetherness extend further, as Dona White explains. "The Show has already signed several internationals.  We feel the strength of the show is the combination of these two event organisers totally dedicated to presenting outstanding exhibitions. And Fine Food New Zealand will showcase the best in food, drink and equipment for the food service, hospitality, grocery and retail trades."

Dona has dedicated her career to events of this calibre. Her record stretches back to the mid-80s, when she ran the Hospitality Show, which was then owned by the late David Conway. She has been setting the benchmark in food and hospitality events ever since.

Dona pledges that with the considerable depth of talent that Fine Food New Zealand brings, exhibitors can look forward to rubbing shoulders with key buyers, both at a local and international level. "Our visitors are going to be treated to new products they've never seen before," she says. To add further impetus, Fine Food New Zealand will host a number of high-profile culinary competitions that fully complement the three-day event. For the first time, new product awards in hospitality, food service and retail will be announced at a dazzling ceremony.

Exhibitor interest is intense: more than 100 key traders from as far afield as Asia are already committed, and more space is being booked, for the event - which runs at the ASB Showgrounds from June 13 to 15, 2010.

Fine Food New Zealand is underscored with a prominent local influence. It is supported by the Baking Industry Association of New Zealand, The National Association of Retail Grocers of New Zealand and the New Zealand Chefs Association.