For the first time ever at this year's Hawkesbury Show, local producers will be showcasing their goods in their very own pavilion, called Taste the Hawkesbury.
Punters will be able to chat to local producers, and taste the produce of companies including Bilpin Cider, Kurrajong Kitchen, CSA Farmers, Canoelands Orchard, Goose on the Loose, Karu Distillery, Tizzana Jubilee, Wild Hibiscus, and Hillbilly Cider.
The pavilion is the brainchild of Hawkesbury Harvest chief executive officer and secretary, Ian Knowd, who will be among the clutch of small producers also showcasing their wares from along the Farm Gate Trail.
"We've got a group together to create a pavilion where people can come in, and over three days people can taste the products and the produce and talk to the producers to get a better sense of what the Hawkesbury has to offer," said Mr Knowd.
"It's designed to work in with the most recent Destination NSW management plan that is being implemented at the moment, where we want the Hawkesbury to be better-recognised as a food destination."
About a dozen companies will be exhibiting across the pavillion.
"Most of the people are already in markets and trade shows so they're pretty experienced at putting on these sorts of experiences for people," Mr Knowd said.
Visitors will be able to purchase a selection from each local exhibitor (excluding alcoholic beverages which can't be sold on the grounds due to licensing laws; these will be available for order).
Taste the Hawkesbury will also play host to the much-anticipated, inaugural Sausage Competition, which will see local butchers face off for the best snag in two categories: Traditional and Gourmet.
Promoting export opportunities
Taste the Hawkesbury is being sponsored by Western Sydney Airport, which is keen to spread the message to locals at the show about the benefits the airport will deliver for growers and producers.
Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Graham Millett said Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will create export opportunities for Hawkesbury's businesses.
"We've heard from a number of small to medium producers in the Hawkesbury region, some of which are generational family-owned businesses," he said.
"They're excited how the airport will unlock the potential to grow their businesses by taking the next step and becoming exporters.
"Western Sydney International will provide the chance to get fresh Hawkesbury produce to lucrative Asian markets overnight."
Taste the Hawkesbury will be located opposite the cattle judging lawn. It will be open on all three show days.
