Authenticity the Key Food Trend
The Food Show Auckland, 1-4 August, 2013
New Zealanders are asking more questions of their food suppliers and want to know the products they are buying are grown
locally, humanely and with an artisan approach, according to Dona White, CEO of our biggest culinary event, The Food
Show, which comes to Auckland from 1-4 August at the ASB Showgrounds.
The Food Show has been running for thirteen years and 2013 sees the opening of a new area in the event dedicated to
healthy living.
“Our Healthy Living Zone caters for the demand in juicing, blending and healthier food choices,” says White. “Our
exhibitors have said that people ask far more questions than before about what's in the food they're selling, even as it
applies to staples like bacon and butter.”
And with cooking TV shows on the rise, more men are getting into the kitchen. People are also taking challenges in their
dinner parties and entertaining more - realising they can actually cook like a pro at home.
“Baking is also HUGE thanks to the rise of the baking shows on television,” says White. “We’re also seeing a trend
towards easy-to-prepare meals, ready-made meals and home delivery fruit, veg and even ‘full meal’ ingredients delivered
to your door.”
Boutique beers, micro-breweries and wine offerings that play up the importance of the winemaker, the philosophy of the
growing and the science behind it are also popular every year.
“Cheese continues to be popular and New Zealanders are adventurous and willing to experiment with all varieties,” says
White. “We could never get enough cheese in the show to satisfy the visitor demand.”
“Last but not least, gizmos and gadgets that make food prep easy are hot and retro food processors, toasters, you name
it, they fly out the door,” says White. “Sharp, good quality knives – I think this interest hails also from the TV
cooking shows as it's the number one comment from all superstar chefs: get your knives right before you cook!”
ends