Momentum is building for the very first Fine Food New Zealand exhibition being held from 13-15 June at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland created following the partnership of North Port Events (The Food Show) and Diversified Exhibitions (Fine Food Australia).

Exhibition space is already 80% sold with more than 150 exhibitors (over 25% of whom are coming from overseas) showcasing the latest food service, grocery, and hospitality products, services, and equipment - all under one roof."We're delighted at the positive response we've had from both exhibitors and industry bodies," says organiser Dona White, CEO Of North Port Events.

"Fine Food New Zealand represents a real break from the past that will deliver the kind of event exhibitors and visitors have been crying out for over many years. Finally the industry will have the show it deserves and the tremendous support we're receiving confirms that others feel the same way."Many major industry bodies have stepped up to lend their support to Fine Food New Zealand. Among those on board are the Baking Industry Association of New Zealand (BIANZ), the New Zealand Chefs Association (NZCA), the Restaurant Association of New Zealand (RANZ), the Hospitality Association of New Zealand (HANZ), the Grocery Retailers' Association (NARGON), and the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI).

Restaurant Association's CEO, Steve Mackenzie is thrilled that their presence will give them a chance to promote and celebrate some of the great things about the hospitality industry. "Our stand will feature lots of interactive hospitality and we are giving visitors a chance to get close up and personal with some of the country's leading restaurant and café owners. If you've ever wondered what it takes to be successful in the industry, now's your chance to talk to those in the know."

Fine Food New Zealand enables the Baking Industry Association (BIANZ) to offer its members added value by combining its annual conference with the trade show, says Belinda Jeursen, BIANZ Executive Officer.

"Taking part in Fine Food New Zealand means that our members can enjoy the usual aspects of our conference - such as the Bakery of the Year Competition, Weston Milling Trainee of the Year, Annual Awards Dinner, and our AGM - but there is now the added dimension of seeing a huge variety of exhibits and meeting new suppliers at the same time," says Belinda.

BIANZ will also provide live baking demonstrations in the Bakery Feature Area, a special lounge exclusively for BIANZ members, as well as live judging of the Weston Milling Trainee of the Year competition.

The New Zealand Chefs Association (NZCA) is also taking full advantage of Fine Food New Zealand by providing celebrity chef Master Classes at the show for its members, plus the Gourmet Pacific Challenge competition for chefs under 23 years old, and Battle of the Tasman, which pits senior Kiwi chefs against their Aussie counterparts.

"Part of the reason for our existence is to be the authority on the business of being a professional chef and Fine Food New Zealand is a great showcase for us to promote that cause," says Murray Dick, representing NZCA.

Hospitality Association of New Zealand (HANZ) members will enjoy their own members-only lounge along with a series of professional workshops.

"We are very excited to be part of Fine Food New Zealand as it is a great opportunity to explore new ways of doing things, play with new products that may help New Zealand cafes and restaurants innovate further, and of course meet some great people - all under one roof," says Scott Necklen, HANZ National Operations Manager.

The trade-only aspect of the show appeals to members of the Grocery Retailers' Association (NARGON), because it enables visitors to try and taste new products, and talk with suppliers in a relaxed environment, says Trina Snow, NARGON Executive Director.

"Meeting the people behind the products is really important because a lot of it comes down to the relationships you have with suppliers. It doesn't matter how amazing a product is, if the supplier doesn't deliver on that product it's not likely to be stocked again," says Trina.

To add value for visitors, the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) is holding a one-day Business of Hospitality workshop at Fine Food New Zealand, one of several workshops they're holding around the country in May and June, says HSI Marketing Manager Shelley-Maree Cassidy.

"A professional event such as Fine Food New Zealand adds to the perception of hospitality as a career of choice, a very important part of HSI's strategy of developing and increasing the skill base of the hospitality workforce," says Shelley.

All up, Fine Food New Zealand promises to be the most comprehensive and truly international event the hospitality and food service industries have ever seen in this country."The show is going to knock visitors' socks off," says Dona White. "Fine Food New Zealand will deliver the sales, relationship building, education, and networking opportunities the sector needs and deserves."