Day one of Fine Food NZ, New Zealand's largest hospitality industry trade show certainly did much to lift economic confidence with good numbers turning out to check halls packed with exhibitors, both from New Zealand and international.

While aromas of products cooking (and people tasting) were everywhere to be smelt and seen, down in the baking pavilion the first and second heats of the Weston Milling Trainee of the Year were taking place. This year a much higher standard was visible from both the competitors' skills and their finished products. The audience often talking among themselves about the innovation and look of the end results such as the green tea lamingtons or the bacon and egg breakfast Danishes.

Adjacent to the baking competition area, the masters of New Zealand's bakery scene were going through their own rigorous testing closely watched by spectators during the live judging of the Bakery of the Year competition. This year an Olympic Games theme brought an extra element of colour and creativity to the baked items from cup cakes of swimming competitors to a decorated cake stadium with three Kiwis on the podium.

Check out the images below and get along to Fine Food NZ. It is on until Tuesday 5pm at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland.