A fusion of food to come alive in Bay

Wattie's says this week's Hawke's Bay Show is the perfect chance to celebrate the hundreds of food products grown and made in Hawke's Bay.

For the third year running, the company will be sponsoring the Wattie's Pick of the Crop Taste Hawke's Bay Marquee, a showcase for a wide range of the region's finest foods and beverages.

Wattie's agricultural & seasonal production manager, Ivan Angland, said that for Wattie's and many other food companies in the Bay, the show was a great time to celebrate the new season across the horticulture and agriculture sectors.

"It's a busy time of year, full of anticipation and excitement," Mr Angland said.

"Our asparagus is being harvested and processed right now, and last week we started planting out for a tomato crop of 34,000 tonnes. Planting will continue to the end of November, and in the coming months the widest range of locally grown crops will be canned or frozen for consumers to enjoy long after the season closes."

Inside their marquee Wattie's will use its successful Food in a Minute format to demonstrate the taste and versatility of its products.

Ever-popular Food in a Minute presenter Lana Garland and Wattie's development chef Di Swann will present their recipes in the main demonstration area on Thursday and Friday.

Visitors will be able to sample quick and tasty recipes every day of the show at the Wattie's Stand.

On Friday at 11am, Ms Garland will be signing the Food in a Minute: Everyday Cookbook, which will be on sale at the Wattie's stand for a special show price.