More than 50 members of the public and media attended the launch, to speak to representatives from Orange360, hear from members of the FOOD Week organisation committee and sample Orange's produce. 

The Sydney group sat down to a menu which included Trunkey Creek Pork, Carbeen Pastured Produce's chicken and eggs, as well as Thornbrook Orchard's fruit and vegetables.

Chefs at the Three Blue Ducks prepared canapes which were served with See Saw Wines prosecco, Small Acres' cyder and Pioneer Brewing beer, as well as mains which were served with wines from Slow Wine Co, Rowlee Wines and Cargo Road Wines.

The three-course dinner finished with a dessert wine from Orange Mountain Wines.

FOOD Week vice-president Hugh Rasmussen said the crowd was fairly evenly divided between those who had attended the April festival before and those who'd never been to Orange.

He said many had found out about the launch through friends who spruiked the city after visiting several times and forming relationships with restaurateurs, producers and wine makers.

"They're almost like our metropolitain ambassadors for Orange as a food and wine destination," he said.

Mr Rasmussen spoke to the guests about the history of FOOD Week, committee member Christine Williams was on hand to answer questions about staying in the region, while Orange360's Emily Mann and Caddie Marshall provided details on events.

FOOD Week is now in its 28th year and, according to organisers, it is Australia’s longest running regional food and wine festival.

This year it will deliver six signature events which include the Night Market, an Autumn Grazing Dinner, FOOD Train and Forage, as well as more than 90 satellite events across the Orange and Cabonne area from Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 14.