More than 100 of Taitokerau Northland’s growers, producers and hospitality businesses came together for the Food & Beverage Industry Hui at Russell’s The Duke of Marlborough this month.
The hui, led by regional economic development agency Northland Inc, aimed to provide a platform for the industry to reconnect following COVID-19 and discuss important topics to promote the depth and range of food and beverage offerings available in the region.
Northland Inc Food and Beverage Ambassador and event organiser, Justine Stuart, says the event attendance and engagement surpassed 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, and producers and growers of some of Northland’s best food and beverage products.
“The strong turnout reflects years of building industry engagement in the sector, which has bought so many together to collaborate on a shared way forward for the industry.”
The Hui incorporated panel discussions from a range of industry representatives, including Peter Jones, Chair of the Northland Wine Growers Association, and Nick Keene owner of Schnappa Rock and president of Hospitality New Zealand, discussing topics ranging from marketing through to staffing and industry collaboration.
The region’s vineyards, breweries and distilleries were well represented at the event.
Anton Haagh of The Duke of Malborough and Charlotte’s Kitchen says the event was a great way to bring the industry and producers together, to share ideas and create connections.
“With the challenging journey over the past few years, we are always looking to innovate, adapt, and connect with local producers.
“Ideas shared at the Hui showed we can take control of our own destinies and rebuild the hospo industry in Northland. We are stronger together and there is a shared optimism as we look to the future.”
Food and beverage businesses interested in raising their profile and enhancing the regional offering by listing their business on the Northland Inc website free of charge can create a member profile at NorthlandNZ.com and submit a business listing.
Wineries and businesses that have bookable experiences, such as tours or hands-on experiences, may be eligible to list through Tourism New Zealand at NewZealand.com.
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