Tasmania was served to the Fine Food Australia audience on a plate, with 13 of the state’s businesses showcased on the Tasmania stand.
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Fine Food Australia 2018 is the country’s largest food event and runs between Monday and Thursday.
The Tasmanian government contributing $65,000 towards the stand, with the remaining $20,000 in costs contributed by the nine exhibitors, Brand Tasmania chairman Michael Grainger said.
These exhibitors were Australian Honey Products, Ashgrove Cheese, King Island Prime Meats, Westhaven, TasFoods, Forager Foods, Valhalla Ice Cream, Island Berries Tasmania and Kooee All Natural Snacks.
“Tasmania’s delicious produce is a cornerstone of our clean-green brand, and you cannot put a price on exposure like this,” Mr Grainger said.
“Involvement in this key event is also a milestone for Brand Tasmania, reflecting our growing collaboration with the state government as we transition towards becoming a statutory authority over the coming months.”
Premier Will Hodgman said it was the first time in six years that Brand Tasmania was involved with the event, which “speaks volumes about the increasing importance of our premium produce sector”.
“Tasmania’s food and beverage sector is booming, especially the niche artisan products that are increasingly putting Tasmania on the world map,” he said.
“Our incredible fresh produce is the envy of the nation, however, it is vital that we embrace every opportunity for promotion, and Tasmania’s presence at Fine Food Australia is an investment in our future.”
Up to 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the four-day Fine Food Australia event at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
It gives Tasmanian brands a chance to connect with key food and beverage decision makers, like distributors, food companies and top chefs, TasFoods brand manager Freya Griffin said.
“There is strong support from local boutique food producers and operators for the state to be involved in this important annual event,” Ms Griffin said.
“As an exhibitor, TasFoods is expecting a major boost as our niche premium products, such as wasabi and goats cheese, are showcased at the ‘Tasmania Stand’. We expect this will open up new marketing and distribution channels.”
TasFoods’ brands Nichols Chicken, Shima Wasabi, Meander Valley Dairy, Pyengana and Robur Farm were showcased at Fine Food.
Brand Tasmania ambassadors Ray Martin and Michelin-starred chef Tetsuya Wakada led a forum on the state’s artisan foods on Monday.
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