Farm-to-fork in Taranaki

Egmont Honey farms

Taranaki's local food and drink businesses spill the beans on what makes the region so unique. 

Taranaki is an engine room for food in Aotearoa New Zealand with dairy, fruit, vegetable, poultry, and red meat production all key exports from the west-coast region. However, there is a much deeper connection between food and drink and the Taranaki regional identity, history, and culture. At the heart of both the region and the sector is Taranaki maunga.

With lush, green, fertile volcanic soils, regular rainfall, and a temperate climate, Taranaki comprises the perfect ingredients to produce high-quality, natural food and drink products exploding with fresh flavours, providing a true farm-to-fork experience.

Venture Taranaki asked some local food and drink businesses for insights on what they think makes doing business in Taranaki so unique.

Bout Time Brownies

“I think people are surprised about what comes out of this region. People are surprised to learn that I make the brownies here in my kitchen in rural New Plymouth. More and more people are looking around at what is available here for them in their own region. There is this increased desire to support local rather than going down to the big chain stores. People from out of town are also really supportive. I’ve found my customers to be really kind and understanding.”

Little Liberty Ice-cream

“The community that wraps around and supports us. Here in Inglewood, we have such a great network of people who are loyal to local business, and to us. Lots of people come to us because we are a small local ice creamery. We are something different. Because we are both from small communities ourselves, we are really enjoying giving back to this community. We have come full circle.”

With their food and hospitality industry flourishing their produce is a source of immense pride and as the Taranaki food story evolves, the region’s natural attributes, experience, knowledge, and collaborative approach ensure it will continue to be the home of more new, exciting, and creative food products and experiences.

Egmont Honey

Egmont Honey farm

"Logistics are difficult when you operate in an area that is geographically more isolated as we are here in Taranaki. On the flip side, it is in fact our geography and our location in this country that we celebrate. Our brand centres heavily around our mountain and we love to tell stories that illustrate this. As much as we are selling a food product, we are also selling the place from where it originates. People are even leaving larger cities such as London, drawn to the lifestyle that we offer here. New Plymouth is quite a trendy city. I think we punch above our weight for restaurants and cafes when compared against other regional cities. You could call us the Hawkes Bay of the West Coast.”

Theory Food

“For us growth has come through word of mouth, which somehow feels more possible in a smaller city.”

Juno Gin

Juno Gin Distillery

"The connectedness – it is fundamental really. Locals recommend other locals, they’re more than willing to help each other out. There is lots of hidden capability that you just don’t realise. Word of mouth and sense of community, outsiders see that. People smile here more than in other cities. Our daughter’s boyfriend cannot understand how we can have big, huge tractors driving through the main streets!” 

Planta Mate

Cathi and Isaac Drought, Planta Mate founders

“We feel that in larger cities it might be harder to get your product into stores and people’s hands. In Taranaki we know lots of businesses owners who are pumped to learn about what we are doing and so as a consequence our product is selling really well. So that’s a wonderful advantage, having that local support and the feeling that people are proud of what you are doing. You can’t be local in a big city. Our pure produce is a must for anyone looking to experience the best of New Zealand.”

Taranaki. Food, Drink and Hospitality Like No Other.

With passion and promise, the region is forging ahead to discover and offer new and unique food and dining experiences. At the heart are producers like these who’s products are served in the many eateries and dining experiences right across the region. Whether they’re providing a subtle hint of flavour, or sit as the main event, they demonstrate the regions strength and connectedness when it comes to all things food and flavour.

Get a taste of Taranaki today, and discover more about this region ‘like no other’, click the link below or follow Taranaki Like No Other on Facebook or Instagram.

taranaki.co.nz

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