PACIFIC PLEASURES A Pacific Island food and beverage cluster is delighted at the intense interest in its collective products as it reviews its success from the Auckland Food Show. Nine Pacific Island food and beverage exporters from five countries – under the facilitation of Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand – participated in the event in the form of clustered booths specially and prominently branded ‘The Pacific Hub’. Pacific Trade Invest NZ trade development manager 40 AUGUST 2017 Joe Fuavao says the large crowds were attracted by fresh features, and the Pacific Hub was visited by many curious consumers and interested buyers. “The companies approached the Auckland Food Show with three main goals in mind – finding potential buyers, building their brand awareness and conducting consumer research,” Fuavao says. Companies which had participated in previous shows believe the 2017 show exceeded expectations in terms of both leads generated and counter sales. J Punja’s Gerish Punja says the show was a great place to taste-test new products, such as its new cabin bread. “We’re yet to launch it in the retail market,” he says. “We’re happy the feedback has been positive. This is a good place to take onboard customers’ comments on not just our new products but our whole range.” Niue Vanilla’s Stanley Kalauni – who signed a nationwide retail deal with Trade Aid stores at the show last year – says interest from independent stores from particularly across the regions showed the depth of the market extending beyond main urban centres. Niue Vanilla’s range of products had sold well during the four days of the show, while Tavulomo Coconut owner Chris Wyllie says visitors were “very curious” about his coconut jerky, which sold well across the counter. He has received enquiries for Tavulomo’s Fijian Virgin Coconut Oil from as far afield as Japan. Etu and Elena Tusitala’s Elife Samoan organic turmeric-based drinks had A HIT WITH SHOW-GOERS
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