The Food Show Auckland 2010 attracted 40,412 dedicated culinary enthusiasts between 29 July and 1 August, providing a mouth-watering mid-winter pick-me-up for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Praise for the show has come thick and fast. Exhibitors were extremely pleased with the number and quality of visitors, and the visitors themselves found a truly massive range of delicious edibles on show.

"It was a brilliant show that we're immensely proud of," says Dona White, CEO of North Port Events, which organises the event. "It introduced dozens of hardworking, passionate food producers and their products to thousands of highly motivated new customers. At the end of the day, that's what we're here to do.

"It is always very satisfying to see such big crowds of visitors really enjoying the experience of being at the show, discovering new things, and getting some great deals.

"We're thrilled also that the numbers of exhibitors the show attracts keeps on growing year after year because producers understand the power of the show and the impact it can have on their businesses.

"We work extremely hard every year to keep the show fresh and responsive to what the market is looking for so it's gratifying that the show is in such obviously good health, particularly considering the tough economic climate we're operating in.

"Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the show such a pleasurable success - our wonderful exhibitors, the great Auckland foodie public, and the ASB Showgrounds staff."

Daily visitor figures

• Thursday 29 July (Preview Day) - 3760
• Friday 30 July - 9356
• Saturday 31 July - 13,551
• Sunday 1 August - 13,745

Some highlights singled out for special kudos by visitors

• Fresh honeycomb from J Friend & Co
• Proper Crisps hand cooked 'real' potato chips
• Delish exquisitely decorated cupcakes
• Vanilla Bean Custard from Dollop Puddings (packaged in old-fashioned milk bottles)
• Loaf jam doughnuts and sumptuous range of cakes
• Tasty Pot fresh readymade meals
• Seafood chowder from Oceanz
• Provisions Otago preserves, chutneys, and wild thyme honey
• Blue River pecorino and sheep milk feta
• Pureed frozen Fairtrade organic All Good Bananas (with Kokako organic coffee)

The show rounds off another great year for The Food Show across the country, with the Wellington show attracting 19,704 visitors (who spent an estimated $2.05 million at the show, up from $1.8 million in 2009) and the Christchurch show clocking up 9514 visitors (who spent an estimated $850,454, up from $776,141 in 2009). Spending and other figures for the Auckland show are being collected right now and will be available in a few weeks time.

A selection of comments from visitors at The Food show Auckland 2010

"It's a glorious cacophony of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes!"

"It's lovely to meet the products up close and personal, taste them, and buy them at a reduced price. It's much better than simply glancing at them on a supermarket shelf."

"The standouts for me are the great range of excellent foods to buy and the Cooking Theatre - brilliant!"

"It's just fabulous. Lots of variety. Lots to buy. Everything is here in one place. It's always a delight and this year is no exception."

I love the atmosphere and the ability to try lots of things that you normally wouldn't get the chance to try."