Tastebuds are being tempted with the release of this year’s Flavours of Plenty Festival programme.

The 11-day festival will feature almost 50 events to showcase and connect the region’s best kai, beverages, chefs, growers and creators.

Details were unveiled last week at Tauranga’s newest event venue, inside the city’s oldest pub.

Guests at the recently-renovated St Amand heard about the “culinary collisions” that will start on April 4, across the region, from Waihī Beach to Ōhope.

One festival event will unfold at the same site as the launch, when five chefs from different restaurants and backgrounds come together to prepare a five-course dinner.

“Real magic can happen when you encourage clever people to go a little wild with food,” says festival director Rae Baker.

Fascinating collaborations 

“We have some really fascinating foodie collaborations and collisions happening this year – like the cake specialist who’s teaming up with a beer brewer, and the Italian restaurant in Paengaroa that’s working with truffle growers.

"There’s also a pizza place that’s giving their chef free rein to create a traditional Filipino feast, kind of like a grazing platter on steroids, with music in the mix.

"That one will be great fun.”

A Battle of the Snack event will see established chefs mentor emerging talent in a canape cook-off, with the winner featuring in New Zealand’s prestigious ‘Cuisine’ magazine.

Last year, a similar battle served 1200 snacks to 100 guests.

The 2024 festival, which is backed by Tourism Bay of Plenty, promises hands-on experiences and long lunches, food tours, cooking contests, and discussions.

Ticketholders will get the chance to make their own salami, distil gin, harvest honey, and learn to shake and stir cocktails.

The Plates of Plenty Challenge will also see eateries crafting bespoke festival dishes with a selection of the region’s best produce.

Brings people together

“There’s a huge range of ways food lovers can get involved, from degustation dinners and a mystery bus tour to enjoying free samples and cooking demonstrations at our local markets; or perhaps just trying a specially created dish at their local eatery.”

Rae says the food festival also attracts out-of-town visitors and media attention that provides a significant economic boost to the region.

Last year’s event attracted more than 5000 attendees.

“But most of all, it brings people together to celebrate the unique flavours of our coastal Bay of Plenty.”

For more information the festival, see https://www.flavoursofplentyfestival.com