Coromandel food and beverage producers are having their wares shown off to thousands of people at this week's Food Show in Auckland.

Thames-Coromandel District Council, partnered with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development is promoting the region's products food and drink at the show which runs until Sunday.

Whitianga business Wilderland, which produces relish, honeys and organic produce, is one of eight Coromandel companies being showcased at the Auckland Food Show taking place this week. Photo: TCDC

Over 17,000 people are expected to attend the food show and will include international and national media, the food, beverage and hospitality industry, plus the general public.

Eight local food and beverage producers are being showcased as part of the ‘The Coromandel Food Collective - Good For Your Soul' exhibition.

Communications and Marketing manager Laurna White says this opportunity arose following a visit to the Coromandel by ATEED's chief executive Brett O'Reilly and staff in late 2014.

The purpose of that visit was to find ways to strengthen ties between the Coromandel and Auckland, 'particularly as many of our absentee ratepayers reside in Auckland,” says Laurna.

'During their visit the group highlighted some of the special qualities which sets the Coromandel apart, whicn includes our seafood and local, organic produce.

'Our Council has been working closely with ATEED's Rural Development Specialist Wendy Voegelin to look at what we can do to capitalise on this.

Laurna adds: 'One of the first projects was bringing a collective of Coromandel Food and Beverage producers to the Food Show.”

As part of the four day event council have also developed a ‘Coromandel Food Trail Guide' which will be handed out at the show.

A revised edition with more Coromandel product will be developed and marketed by ourselves, ATEED and Destination Coromandel and launched ahead of Summer 2015-2016.

The eight local food producers have contributed financially to the promotion and marketing material, while council and ATEED subsidised the stand and contributed to promotion and marketing of the Coromandel Food Collective.

A report will be delivered to Council's Economic Development Committee on the outcomes of the Fod Show and measurement of how it helped promote our area and our providers.

'Meanwhile our Council is also in discussion with ATEED looking at how to develop further partnership projects.

'If you're up in Auckland over the four days please come and visit the stand. They'll be in Hall two under the ATEED section at the ‘Coromandel Food Collective – Good For Your Soul' stand.”

COROMANDEL BUSINESSES INVOLVED WITH THE AUCKLAND FOOD SHOW:

• The Coromandel Oyster Company
• The Cheese Barn
• Wilderland
• Cathedral Cove Macadamias
• The Pour House
• Omahu Valley Citrus
• Hot Water Brewing Company
• The Humble Oatcake Company

For more information about the Auckland Food Show visit: www.foodshow.co.nz