Today myself along with a group of fellow friends and foodies made our way down to the Great NZ Food Show which was held at the Claudelands Event Centre here in Hamilton. This weekend’s event showcased the best in food, wine, delicious edibles and innovative products here in New Zealand. Frankly anywhere that I get to sample, buy and try new foods, I’ll be there!

I enjoyed making my way around the different exhibitors, tasting products ranging from lemon liquors to coconut bacon, artisan breads and cheeses to cacao coated cashews . What’s best is that I even managed to squeeze in a cooking demo hosted by Jay and Sarah who showed us how to make a guilt free, clean banoffee pie. After sampling it, I may have to give it a go myself!

The Food Show runs over two days and I’m seriously considering going back tomorrow to try some more delicious gourmet foods and spend more money. The only problem is you don’t realise what you’re missing out on and need to buy until you’ve sampled it. So next time I think I need to increase my spending budget so I can take home a lot more treats. Not to worry though, I’ve noted down the names and products of plenty of brands and I plan on checking in on them shortly to see what more I can try.

I didn’t manage to walk away with everything I wanted to, but I do have a few delicious snacks to enjoy here at home over the weekend. I’ll definitely need to plan a more substantial haul when this event returns next time.

From left to right: Pete’s Natural, Volare Fig and Walnut Loaf, Waikato Food Inc’s Waikato Foodie membership subscription, East Bali Cashews, Cacao Coated Cashews, Nourish Magazine cook books, Forty Theives Salted Macadamia Butter with Maple and Vanilla Bean, Peplers Vinaigrette and Balsamic, Wild Country Jam, Meyer Cheese, Cumin Gouda