From 24 March to 2 April 2023, the Coastal Bay of Plenty will come alive once again for the Flavours of Plenty Festival.

We spoke to three of our Chamber members who are hosting an event at this year’s festival to find out more about their business, what’s affecting their industry right now, and why they’re taking part.

Tourism Bay of Plenty are giving away a double pass to one of these member events. More details at the end of the article.

BeeNZ Ltd

Julie Hayes, Owner and General Manager

BeeNZ is a family-owned and operated business based in Katikati, New Zealand. With respect for nature, people and community, they take absolute care of their honey’s journey from hive to jar. Go behind the scenes with BeeNZ at this year’s festival.

Tell us a bit about your background – who you are and what you do.

BeeNZ’s journey began in 2015 as an extension of our thriving apiary business. Built on strong family values and a passion for people, my husband David and I are extremely proud of what the company has become. BeeNZ is known throughout the world for its premium quality honey products.

What’s one thing you want people to know about your business?

Gaining B Corp certification in 2022 and maintaining a robust TOITU GOLD rated Environmental Management system is proof that we are doing the right thing for our people and our planet.

What’s happening in the current climate that’s affecting your industry?

The rising cost of international logistics and the slowing global economy is proving to be challenging. However, we’re also seeing an increase in consumer interest for natural health products, particularly in the Europe and United States markets. This current weather pattern has also been detrimental to the 2023 honey harvest, causing loss of hives and a low honey yield for many of our NZ beekeepers.

If you could give one piece of advice to our business community, what would that be?

Stay true to your WHY.

• Ensure the wellbeing of your people.
• Monitor, and put systems in place to improve your environmental impact.
• Embrace every opportunity that is presented to you.

What is the one thing you’re looking forward to at the upcoming Flavours of Plenty Festival?

Sharing our honey and industry knowledge with the community.

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Lavish Food Events

Kathrin Chappell, Creative Director

Kathrin from Lavish Food Events has been a private chef to the rich and famous, a caterer, a farmers market stall holder, and is a tour guide and food ambassador. As part of this year’s festival, Kathrin will be taking guests on a tastebud adventure with Taste of Plenty Tours. 

Tell us a bit about your background – who you are and what you do.

Being the Taste of Plenty tour guide allows me to express my colourful culinary background. Having been a caterer and private chef to celebrities in Los Angeles, I moved to Tauranga in 2001. After a few years of acclimatising to my new home, I created the Lavish Foods NZ brand, encompassing several entities – farmers market stalls, cooking classes, and cafe owner. Then I embarked on a new career as a food tour guide and food ambassador. My culinary adventures, enthusiastic personality, and gift of the gab make me a natural food tour guide.

What’s one thing you want people to know about your business?

I want to reach as many visitors and locals as possible to encourage them to experience Tastes of Plenty. Food tours are an intriguing way to discover a town’s amazing culinary delights. I love doing food tours in the Bay as we have so much on offer and so many wonderful local food heroes to show off.

What’s happening in the current climate that’s affecting your industry?

There are so many different and difficult aspects to our industry post-COVID. We must work together to get things running in a new, positive manner. Well-trained staff shortages are a big hurdle, as well as the increase in costs for everything we need to present hospitality in its true form. 

If you could give one piece of advice to our business community, what would that be?

Network within our industry, talk to others to help you stay strong, and never give up your dreams.

What is the one thing you’re looking forward to at the upcoming Flavours of Plenty Festival?

Showing off our amazing cornucopia of magnificent restaurants, bakeries, cafés and coffee roasters. The Flavours of Plenty Festival features an interesting blend of international cuisine to delight every foodie’s palate

Replenish Papamoa

Lynda Lloyd, Managing Director

Replenish is a sustainable refill store based in Papamoa. They provide zero-waste shopping delivered to your door. Replenish is hosting a coffee and cupcake event as part of this year’s festival. Enjoy a coffee, learn to ice your own fancy cupcakes, and find out more about this sustainable business. 

Tell us a bit about your background – who you are and what you do.

Until COVID-19, I was working in the insurance industry as a fire and general broker. Prior to that, I had been an insurance underwriter since 1997. So, I felt I really needed a complete change of focus, as I was close to burnout.

What’s one thing you want people to know about your business?

We are a bulk refill store, primarily for everything you need for your pantry, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. We also now have an in-store coffee machine and are looking to add in smoothies, baking, and toasted sandwiches for people who need quick food in a hurry.

What’s happening in the current climate that’s affecting your industry?

The massive price increases in bulk foods, freight, and the unavailability of some products. It is way cheaper to buy your household staples in a refill store. You only buy what you need, when you need it, and you’re not throwing out unused food items that could have sat lingering in the back of your pantry gathering dust and pantry moths.

If you could give one piece of advice to our business community, what would that be?

Keep the faith, keep going, stay strong, and smile. It will get better. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you’re struggling – there are plenty of like-minded business owners out there willing to give you a hand and advice or just a friendly ear to bounce your ideas off. Plus, you might also be that person for someone else.

What is the one thing you’re looking forward to at the upcoming Flavours of Plenty Festival?

Seeing people come through Replenish, seeing what we have to offer, and watching the smile on the littlies’ (and not so littlies’) faces when they’ve finished icing their cupcakes!

Tourism Bay of Plenty are giving away a double pass to one of these three featured events. To enter click here, choose the event you want to attend, enter your full name, phone number, and email address – and we’ll select a winner and send the tickets to your inbox. T&Cs apply.

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The Coastal Bay of Plenty is getting ready to celebrate its many flavours! From 24 March – 2 April 2023, you’ll be able to enjoy a mouth-watering line-up of foodie events, pop-up restaurants, cuisine challenges, and so much more at the Flavours of Plenty Festival. From long lunches to degustation dinners, the region’s top chefs, brewers and talented food producers will wow you with their knowledge and expertise. You can also go behind the scenes to see how our region’s unique products are grown, harvested and made. Book a hands-on workshop or gather friends for a fabulous tasting tour. Book your tickets now! flavoursofplentyfestival.com

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