If you have any questions or queries related to your entry, or the campaign please contact us directly
Businesses participating in the campaign need to meet the following criteria;
- The offering/experience must be based within the Central Otago District Council (CODC) boundary
- Must provide details of operating hours during the campaign and adhere to these hours
- Meet all required Central Otago District Council food, alcohol licensing and consent requirements
- Tourism Central Otago reserves the right to decline a menu item, experience or event.
Registration fees will be invoiced prior to the campaign dates
- $200+gst for first menu item plus $50+gst per each additional menu item (maximum 3 entries)
E.T.C Menu Submission
Important Information
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Key Dates
- 4 September – Workshop registrations close
- 6 & 7 September – Workshops with Alexia Santamaria
- 28 September – Submissions close for both Regional Menu and People Awards entries
- 2 to 19 October – Online Menu developed; Promotional Activity underway
- 4 to 6 October – Professional Dish Photography / Videography
- 20 October to 12 November - Campaign runs
- 23 November – E.T.C Wrap & Operator Networking Event
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Categories
Regional Menu categories:
- Pie-ology - a full filling inside story
- Sense-ational Burgers – burgers that deliver a World of Flavour through the senses of taste, sight, smell
- A World of Flavour on a Plate – Main Meals & Shared Plates
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Costs & Benefits
To be involved we require you to:
- Contribute $200+gst for first menu item, $50+gst per each additional menu item
- Support the campaign to increase awareness of Central Otago’s 'A World of Flavour' in the Food, Wine & Beverage sector
In return for your investment, your business and menu items will receive:
- A comprehensive media plan will include a mix of digital and print content plus paid advertising targeted to locals and key visitor personas within our drive markets
- Point of sales tools and inclusion in campaign advertising
- Photography and/or videography of your dish/business before or during campaign. A minimum of 3 high quality images will be provided for your use
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Terms & Conditions
Businesses participating in the campaign need to meet the following criteria;
- The offering/experience must be based within the Central Otago District Council (CODC) boundary
- Must have a listing registered on centralotagonz.com
- If serving alcohol, the business must have a current liquor license
- Meet all licensing and consent requirements from Central Otago District Council including food standards
- Develop at least one specific menu item that meets the campaign requirements. A maximum of 1 menu item per category may be entered
- Tourism Central Otago reserves the right to decline a menu item if it does not meet the criteria
- Must commit to have the entered dish available during advertised opening hours
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Frequently Asked Questions
What and when is Eat.Taste.Central?
Eat.Taste.Central or E.T.C is an annual promotional campaign designed to encourage culinary inspired travel around Central Otago during the spring months and to build recognition of Central Otago as a premium Food, Wine & Beverage destination in New Zealand.
Where does Eat.Taste.Central take place?
Cafes, Restaurants, Cellar Doors and other amazing venues located within the Central Otago District Council boundary.
What do cafes and restaurants offer during Eat.Taste.Central?
A core part of Eat.Taste.Central is the Regional Menu, where each participating venue offers unique dishes in a variety of categories.
Who are the main supporters of Eat.Taste.Central?
The E.T.C programme is run by Tourism Central Otago (part of the Central Otago District Council) as the key component of our Food, Wine & Beverage story. Through Eat.Taste.Central we partner directly with local venues and producers, and work with key regional and national organisations, businesses and media to extend the reach of the campaign.
How can my business be involved in Eat.Taste.Central?
The E.T.C programme is run by Tourism Central Otago and we partner directly with businesses located within the Central Otago district.
Venues create their own menu offerings or events. Interested participants should contact Tourism Central Otago for more information on how they can become involved.
There is a participation fee to be involved in the campaign.
Agricultural and artisan producers, breweries, wineries, tour operators and accommodation providers can collaborate with venues, or package special itineraries or events to promote alongside the campaign activity.
We will be participating in Eat.Taste.Central but we’d like to partner with another business, is this possible?
Yes, of course! We encourage you to connect with local producers and suppliers to really highlight our unique regional flavours. You can also get creative with unique events or opportunities to supplement your menu item, or host a special event with another partner. These events will provide locals and visitors with even more reasons to wine and dine throughout the campaign period.
What types of events can we host?
Whether it’s a special hosted chef event, behind-the-scenes tours, food and produce tours, farmers markets, set dinners or winemaker tastings, E.T.C is an opportunity for locals, visitors and foodies to uncover some hidden secrets, learn our food story and explore the whole region.
How will Eat.Taste.Central be promoted?
A dedicated section of centralotagonz.com (also accessed via www.eattastecentral.co.nz) lists the entire Regional Menu and events programme.
Targeted social media and advertising including dedicated Eat.Taste.Central Facebook and Instagram and TikTok promotional social pages.
Targeted PR outreach to national and regional media and user generated content encouraging consumers to participate in Eat.Taste.Central; as well as coordinating PR stories highlighting the Central Otago Food & Wine story.
How do locals and visitors take advantage of Eat.Taste.Central and where do they get more details?
Visitors can go to www.eattastecentral.co.nz to see which venues are participating, to search the regional menu and for direct links to venue websites.
Growers and Producers List
In Central Otago we are spoilt for choice thanks to a wide range of local produce with exceptional flavour profiles. Combined with our elegant world class wines, craft beers and juices there are many ways to incorporate the tastes of Central Otago into menu items.
Check out this list of growers, producers and vineyards for that elusive ingredient to take your entry to the next level.