Eight businesses from the City of Greater Bendigo and Loddon, Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields shires lent support to a stand in the Tastes of Victoria pavilion.

Their aim is to promote the region as a food and wine lovers’ holiday destination.

City of Greater Bendigo executive manager of tourism Kathryn Mackenzie said the response from show-goers had been fantastic.

“We’re really trying to show Victoria that Bendigo is a really rich area for local produce,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“I think the businesses have been overwhelmed – they have been really busy throughout.

“There are also a lot of people asking a lot of questions about the region and what it has to offer.”

Ms Mackenzie, who is also a board member of Bendigo Regional Tourism which has backed the initiative, said it had been a tremendous learning curve for all involved.

The stand will remain open until the finish of the show next Wednesday.

Simply Tomatoes’ Marilyn Lanyon, who manned the stand on Wednesday alongside Fiona Lindsay from Dunolly’s Wright on Broadway, praised the concept.

Wearing a green T-shirt with the words ‘ Boort Were’Zat’ on the back, Ms Lanyon was busy promoting her range of speciality green tomato products.

She said she had fielded many inquiries on where Boort was located.

“It’s really good to have the opportunity to come here,” Ms Lanyon said.

“Just to get the taste of our products out there and hear opinions, even though we’ve been making it for so long.

“It’s difficult for us to get off the farm but this initiative of the Bendigo Regional Tourism is grand.”

Ms Lindsay said the whereabouts of Dunolly had also piqued plenty of interest.

“We are happy to tell them that it’s in central Victoria, not far from Bendigo,”

“It’s a wonderful town and a very busy town.

“It’s a very small town but punches well above its weight.”

Other businesses represented were Bridgeward Grove Farm Gate, Puds for All Seasons, Talbot Farmers Market, Spotted Dog Fudge, Synergy Farms and Indulge Chocolates.