Twenty-five years ago, I met a bubbly young woman from Los Angeles. She'd recently arrived in New Zealand and we were both consulting to the same publisher. I was assisting in the publication of a cookbook and Dona White was organising the publisher's yearly hospitality trade show.
In 1993, Dona launched her own business, then in 2000 she and husband Gavin introduced Aucklanders to the first major Food Show.
The couple created the Food Show believing other people who shared their great love of food, wine and cooking would enjoy and benefit from the experience. It has become a monster - the major culinary event in New Zealand showcasing hundreds of new and popular foods, wines and beverages, and with celebrity chefs displaying their talents in a purpose-built culinary theatre.
Now the annual three-day show also entertains thousands in Wellington and Christchurch.
"The three shows are logistically very intense," says Dona. "We have a full-time team of 12 who work on our events and we engage many other contractors at the time of the shows. Presenting the Food Show to the highest standard and satisfaction for exhibitors, sponsors and visitors is our collective goal here."
