Local sea salt farmers Opito Bay Salt have been chosen by celebrity Chef Josh Emmet and 20 other NZ Food producers to showcase North Island Food at two functions in Los Angeles at the official residence of the NZ Consul-General. In anyone’s terms, that’s a Gong (a signalled esteemed award) for a small company on the east coast of The Coromandel Peninsula.
This coincides with a regional tourism push led by Auckland Regional Tourism Organisation and sponsored by Air New Zealand and Tourism NZ.
There were 80 guests in attendance at the Official New Zealand Residence, Brentwood, Los Angeles last Thursday 16 April for this Kiwi North media event hosted by Michelin-starred chef Josh Emett. This event was a curated culinary showcase celebrating the depth, diversity and premium quality of New Zealand’s North Island food and beverage.
The evening brought together 80 leading U.S. media and key tourism operators for a canapé-style experience designed to tell the story of the North Island through food.
Guests moved through interactive food stations highlighting exceptional regional produce from across the North Island. The menu reflected the modern, produce-led approach synonymous with Josh’s restaurants – Onslow, Gilt Brasserie, and The Oyster Inn – combining technical precision with warm Kiwi hospitality.
Premium New Zealand wines, spirits and artisan food producers – including seafood, aquaculture, dairy and specialty producers – were thoughtfully integrated throughout the experience. We all congratulate Perry and Erin of Opito Bay Salt Co featuring in the specialty products!
This year over 430 products were assessed by 25 judges. The quality of entries was again exceptional and OFPA Head Judge, Peter Gordon says the results are a “hugely positive reflection” of the ‘outstanding’ state of New Zealand food production.
Four Gold Medals In New Zealand
Opito Bay Salt scored another 4 Gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards announced Tuesday, 14 April. Their multi-gold medal winning Natural Coromandel sea salt won again and both their well-loved seasonings won gold.
Judges comments for Bitching BBQ Rub were, “Fantastic flavour and true to label and very well balanced. A must stock in the pantry as a stable to rub on red meats.” and for the Furikake – “Great intensity of flavour, surprising heat kick which works beautifully with the seaweed and well toasted sesame seeds.”
Perry Cornish of Opito Bay Salt with Josh Emmet.
