New campaign to celebrate Central Otago Food & Wine
EAT.TASTE.CENTRAL – 20 September – 23 October
Tourism Central Otago, in association with 30 local businesses, is launching a new food and wine campaign called EAT.TASTE.CENTRAL this Spring.
The aim of the new activity is to increase awareness of the diverse wine, food and beverage options available throughout the region, celebrate our local flavours and producers, drive additional visitor spend in a traditional shoulder season.
“Food and wine and related experiences are one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism market, and an area where Central Otago has some undisputable strengths,” says Tourism Central Otago General Manager Glenys Coughlan. “It is also one area that TCO has been putting a greater emphasis on its promotional activities, and one of three areas of special focus for Tourism New Zealand’s marketing.”
The EAT.TASTE.CENTRAL campaign launch will encourage locals and visitors to explore the tastes of Central Otago over a four-week period, and includes both a public and judged voting competition.
We are inviting locals and visitors to take their taste buds on a journey through the flavours of Central Otago. Local cafes, restaurants and cellar doors have helped produce a ‘Central Otago Regional Menu’ that celebrates our place in three categories: Burger & Sandwich Challenge, Pie, and Main Meal. Many of these dishes are matched with local Central Otago wines, beers and juices. The public will be able to vote online for their favourite menu items and the “Peoples’ Choice” Award and an invited judging panel will select its top picks and an overall winner.
The ‘Regional Menu’ will be available to taste between 20 September and 23 October. The full menu will be launched online on 1 September on the Central Otago regional website www.centralotagonz.com and via www.eattastecentral.co.nz
“This is a chance for people to uncover real local flavours from a diverse range of passionate cooks that are often hidden away inside heritage buildings and out-of-the-way locations. Cooked, served and created by friendly locals you’ll be treated to some exceptional flavours in some extraordinary locations,” said Ms Coughlan.
Campaign Manager Anthony Longman says “eateries participating in EAT.TASTE.CENTRAL come from across the entire region including: Millers Flat, Roxburgh, Alexandra, Chatto Creek, Lauder, Ophir, Oturehua, Naseby, Ranfurly, Waipiata, Clyde and Cromwell”.
“We’re excited that not only have we got a wide variety of establishments participating from across the region, but there’s also a wide range of food-styles on offer – literally from high-end wineries restaurants to classic country hotels, and all offering a variety of cuisines” Mr Longman said.
Find out more at www.eattastecentral.co.nz
Media for more information contact
Anthony Longman – Digital Marketing, Tourism Central Otago
DDI: 03 440 0682
anthony.longman@codc.govt.nz
Glenys Coughlan – General Manager, Tourism Central Otago
Mobile: 027 555 1051
glenys.coughlan@codc.govt.nz