We all know the Coromandel is number one for locally produced food and beverages - now the rest of the world is about to find out.

The Thames Coromandel District Council wants to hear from local food and beverage producers and growers who wish to promote their products either nationally or internationally.

The TCDC wants the Coromandel to be New Zealand's number one destination for food and beverage tourism. Photo: File

It's part of efforts to develop opportunities between the Coromandel and Auckland, following a tour of the region by the Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development group in September.

Whangamata area office manager Garry Towler arranged last month's trip and says they were blown away by the Coromandel's scenery, local food and hospitality.

'Bringing ATEED to the Coromandel enabled them to experience first-hand our aquaculture, our niche food and horticulture industries.

'The group all agreed there are some really good opportunities to promote the Coromandel product to the Auckland market and beyond.

'We're now arranging to work more closely with ATEED on how we can capitalise on these opportunities.”

Gary says ATEED member Wendy Voeglin, who specialises in rural development and the home-grown food and beverage market, was particularly impressed.

Wendy was involved in Auckland's successful bid to stage the 2017 World Food Travel Summit which is held every two years and is the largest event for food and drink tourism professionals.

She was really impressed with the niche food and beverage market on the Coromandel, says Gary.

'[Wendy] sees lots of ways she can bring international food writers and chefs to the Coromandel and promote food tourism within our District.”

The TCDC wants to put together a database of local food producers and providers who want to promote and showcase their products.

It will list contacts and details of food and beverage providers and the information would be shared with ATEED, plus be promoted through Destination Coromandel and the council's website.

To be included send your contact details, product description and any website information to TCDC's communications and marketing manager Laurna White by emailing [email protected]