Food Show Post Show Report_2025

2025 Post Show Report

The Food Shows 2025: Serving up Success Nationwide

New Zealand’s biggest foodie events returned in 2025 with flavour, flair and record-breaking crowds! All three shows — Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland — saw an increase in visitor numbers, marking the first time in many years that every region experienced growth.

From Nat Thaipun’s epic cooking demos to the much-anticipated return of Nadia Lim, the line-up was a true crowd-pleaser. Exciting new features added fresh experiences for food lovers, keeping loyal fans engaged and attracting new visitors.

It wasn’t just attendance that was up — average visitor spend rose across all three shows, proving that even in a cost-conscious climate, food & beverage remains one of life’s irresistible indulgences.

Our enhanced marketing efforts drove stronger engagement across all channels, contributing to packed halls and a buzz that lasted all show long.

The Food Shows continue to connect tens of thousands of passionate foodies with the country’s most loved brands, producers and culinary personalities. A huge thank-you to our partners and exhibitors that made 2025 such a standout success.

We can’t wait to serve up even more in 2026!

Key Event Stats - All Shows

Total attendance

52,016 5% increase

Number of exhibitors 510

The Christchurch Food Show

Christchurch Stats

Total attendance 10,752

Number of exhibitors

Christchurch Visitors

Christchurch Highlights

- The Christchurch Food Show brought a true taste of the South Island with FOUR regional features – the Nelson Tasman Collective, Marlborough Collective, West Coast Collective and Selwyn.

- MasterChef Australia star Nat Thaipun makes her New Zealand debut at The Christchurch Food Show, drawing a huge crowd of fans.

“Really enjoyed my day out and loved trying out all the different foods. Will look out for some of these foods at my supermarket and buy them in the future.”

Christchurch Visitor 2025

“Have been to every Christchurch Food Show since it began. There is always something for everyone there. A fantastic chance to sample before buying. Feels great to be supporting local businesses.”

Christchurch Visitor 2025

“Really enjoyed my visit to the Food Show for the first time. Great to see lots of new products and to have the time to discuss products with the sellers.”

Christchurch Visitor 2025

“Love the food show, such a great day out and getting to sample so many things from passionate enthusiastic small businesses”

Christchurch Visitor 2025

“Once again a great food show. I always have a fun day, try lots of tasters, and come away with lots of unique artisan and local products. Highly recommend - Great value for money - I will be back.”

Christchurch Visitor 2025

“The Food Show is a great way to see what's out there in the wonderful world of food and drinks, and to meet the makers. It's a must-visit on my calendar!”

Christchurch Visitor 2025

The Auckland Food Show

Auckland Stats

Total attendance 29,410 Number of exhibitors

Auckland Visitors

96.5% Purchased products at the show 85% Visitor satisfaction Who

77 % Said they will be back next year

46% Aged 31 - 54 years $117,079

AGE

Visits

Auckland Highlights

The Auckland Food Show created a media buzz like no other!

- On preview day, 60 high-profile influencers and media attended, generating 184 social mentions and media features.

- The Show also generated coverage on Breakfast TV, Seven Sharp, Te Karere, plus write-ups in the NZ Herald, Sunday Star-Times and more.

- New Maru Matcha Workshop and Better Together Wine Around the World feature which sold out pre-show.

“We have been going to the food show for many years now and we still love it. The VIP experience elevates the food show to a much better level and we will definitely continue to attend and go VIP. This is a highlight of our year and I can't wait for the next one!”

Auckland Visitor 2025

“Great experience, so many vendors to chat with and see what product they have created and want to give others an opportunity to try purchase and love.”

Auckland Visitor 2025

“The Food Show Auckland is a permanent fixture in our families calendar and we always have the best day out meeting the creators, trying new things and bringing lots of goodies home to have the annual end of day cheese board and wine. We can't wait for 2026!!”

Auckland Visitor 2025

“I had a fantastic time at the Auckland Food Show! It was a great opportunity to explore a wide range of local and international food and beverage brands all under one roof. The tasting experiences were a real highlight, and I especially enjoyed discovering new artisan products that I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. I’ll definitely be back next year!”

Auckland Visitor 2025

“The Auckland Food Show was again another stand out “Mark your calendar” event which we thoroughly enjoyed. Came away with a lot of new food recommendations also took advantage of the show deals.”

Auckland Visitor 2025

“Best experience everrr!!!!!! Will definitely be back next year. This was my sister and I’s first time and we honestly had a blast. We can’t stop raving about it to our family.”

Auckland Visitor 2025

The Wellington Food Show

Total attendance 11,854

Number of exhibitors

Wellington Visitors

Of visitors stated they made purchases they wouldn’t have otherwise made as a result of attending the show

3.6hours

Wellington Highlights

The Wellington Food Show turned up the festivalisation creating more fun and value for our visitors!

- Visitors soaked up the vibes, danced along to new Beats by Bingo.

- Got creative with the new Pinot & Picasso feature - scoring a record breaking 100% visitor satisfaction.

Its a good fun day out. Different foods to try and experience. A way to make new friends and business ventures.”

Wellington Visitor 2025

“One of the best events Wellington holds yearly. Id go to both days if they held it twice yearly. I'm a foodie and love having a look at what's out there. Love the stands with samples and food show deals”

Wellington Visitor 2025

“The food show was better than I could have imagined. I had a lot of fun and bought a lot of stuff. I will definitely be attending every year as I really enjoyed myself trying heaps of samples and buying great products.”

Wellington Visitor 2025

“We had an amazing time at the Food Show! Six hours flew by without us even noticing, thanks to the endless stalls and the incredible variety of delicious and unique foods to try. We’ll definitely be back next year and we’ll be bringing all our friends with us!”

“The Food Show is my highlight each year. I love having all of the amazing food producers in the one venue. There is always so much variety and the show specials are great.”

Marketing Results

Robust marketing efforts remain crucial for the ongoing success of The Food Shows. With busier lives and shorter attention spans, it's essential to target the right audience at the right time with the right message. We aim to keep the marketing fresh and engaging, utilising a growing number of channels to maintain awareness and continue to build anticipation in the lead up to each Food Show.

Note: Results covering Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington combined.

WEBSITE

Our website users increased by 60% in 2025

NEWSLETTERS

Across the three shows, we created 42 bespoke emails to our huge foodie database, which delivered above industry average open rates and click through.

email campaigns

Marketing Results

SOCIAL MEDIA

With a greater focus on content, we’ve seen a significant increase in reach, impressions, and interactions across Meta and TikTok.

Paid Ads

(From 1 January – 2 September 2025)

Total reach 4,035,205 177%

Impressions 11,194,159 420%

Organic Social

(From 1 January – 2 September 2025)

Reach 590,916 409%

Views 1,984,00

GOOGLE ADS

(From 1 January – 2 September 2025)

We increased our presence on Google Ads, driving strong engagement and excellent results across our campaigns.

Impressions 4,776,651 245%

Clicks 194,527 50%

Marketing Results

ADVERTISING

Total rate card value

$1,824,958

Auckland $1,075,023

Wellington $432,345

Christchurch $317,590

Online and print press ads across publications including Canvas, Herald on Sunday, Sunday Star Times and more

A few key highlights from the marketing campaign Radio

Marketing Results

PUBLIC RELATIONS

We launched an impactful PR campaign to supercharge The Food Show’s marketing efforts, featuring press releases, chef interviews, on-site media hosting, national TV coverage, radio promotions, magazine editorials, influencer partnerships, and so much more! Key highlights included live TV segments on Breakfast TV, Seven Sharp and Te Karere. Plus editorial features in top publications like Dish, NZ Herald, Sunday Star Times, Kia Ora and more.

INVESTMENT PARTNERS

Your Brand, Your Story Amplified.

To waitohu, to korero. Whakanuia.