Artisan food producers draw crowds to The Pantry at Fieldays

While many visitors come to Fieldays to see the latest agricultural machinery, technology and innovation, food remains one of the event’s biggest attractions. Bell Tollemache went to see what was on offer.

The Pantry, located in the Bledisloe Centre, brings together dozens of artisan food and beverage producers from around New Zealand, offering visitors the chance to sample and purchase a wide range of locally made products.

By mid-morning, crowds were already filling the pavilion, moving between stalls offering everything from honey, cheese and chutneys to whisky, limoncello, fudge and nougat.

Among the exhibitors was Hunt and Gather Bee Company, which specialises in premium honey products.

Team member Siana said the company had been attending Fieldays for several years and enjoyed introducing customers to different honey varieties.

“It’s basically just anybody that samples it,” she said. “Once people try it, they understand the difference between the flavour profiles.”

She said the company’s Liberia and Mānuka honeys were among its most popular products.

First-time exhibitor Owhiro Black Diamond Truffles was also attracting attention with its range of truffle-based skincare products. Roimata, who was helping customers at the stand, said she had been surprised by the size of the crowds.

“Just seeing how many people there are here, it’s crazy. It’s awesome,” she said.

The company grows its own black Perigord truffles and incorporates them alongside native ingredients such as kawakawa and mānuka in its skincare range.

“The difference between them and us is we grow our own,” Roimata said.

Nearby, confectionery producer Liquorice Delights was enjoying another year at the event.

Enrich, who has been attending Fieldays for a decade, said the event provided a unique opportunity for visitors to discover products from around the country.

“Fieldays is where you get to taste a lot of different food and confectionery and gin and everything,” he said.

His raspberry nougat remained one of the stand’s most popular products.

For many exhibitors, Fieldays is about more than sales. The event offers an opportunity to share the stories behind their products, connect directly with customers and showcase New Zealand-made food and beverage products to a large audience.

As visitors continued to stream through The Pantry, the steady demand for samples suggested food remains an important part of the Fieldays experience.