Fine Food NZ in Auckland – Impressions of a Professional Trade Show

Under the umbrella of the New Zealand Europe Business Council, the New Zealand German Business Association (NZGBA) in cooperation with the European Union Delegation organised the "Taste of Europe" stand. Four main exhibitors offered their culinary delights and conducted one-on-one meetings with trade contacts. Seven further company’s products were on display with enquiries being taken either by their official trade representative or on their behalf by the NZGBA.

"We do not regard each other as competitors but as complementary partners“, remarked Catherine Michiels (right, with one of her staff), director of Eurodis about the positive spirit of the stand representatives. Besides Eurodis, offering Evian, Badoit and Orangina as well as a variety of vinegars, fois gras and mustards, the Taste of Europe stand included Ballande, a supplier of French wines, and Mediterraneo with a range of delicatessen items from the Mediterranean area such as pasta, olive oils, condiments and mezze.

The highlight of the stand the launch of European raw milk cheese. Ludovic Avril (middle) from Le Marche Francais, the fourth main exhibitor, offered this delicacy, which included specialities such as Comte, Reblochon and Tomme de Chevre to his visitors. His counter was inundated with interested visitors throughout the three days of the trade fair. Here you see him in conversation with customers.

The introduction of raw milk cheese into New Zealand was celebrated with a function at the stand. The European Union Delegation invited guests from industry and politics, including a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery, the government department which gave the green light to the import of the unpasteurized cheese samples. George Cunningham (right) from the EU Delegation to New Zealand and Chris Kebbell (left) from the NZ Food Safety Authority celebrate the launch with a good glass of wine.