TasFoods listened and has partnered with two other Tasmanian small businesses to provide two “tasting flights” for the eight-day festival, matching premium cheeses with craft beer or wine.

Combining Pyengana Dairy and Robur Farm Dairy cheese boards with cultured butter from Meander Valley Dairy at The Fromagerie by The Tasmanian Food Co, the Launceston-based business is working with its Taste neighbours Seven Sheds and Home Hill, TasFoods event manager Freya Griffin said.

“We are responding to the customer essentially. Last year they loved the Fromagerie and also mentioned wanting more options for smaller tastes at each stall, so the tasting flight is a great way to mix it up and enjoy the full festival experience,” Ms Griffin said.

“Seven Sheds will have their Platypus 400 dark brown ale blended with organic buckwheat and Tasmanian hops and Home Hill has bubbles in red and white. It’s really easy - you pay at The Fromagerie, get your cheese up front, select wine or beer and they will fill your cup,” she said.

The Fromagerie will be located just outside the Taste’s entrance on Castray Esplanade in between North-West’s Seven Sheds and southern-based Home Hill.

“Last year was out first event and we used our experience to collaborate with other small businesses as a way to respond to the diverse offering punters were keen to have at Taste. They wanted to taste from various producers, but also wanted to experience the full gamut of what’s on offer,” she said.

In addition, as festival supporter, Nichols Poultry will be supplying Tasmanian chicken to all Taste stalls using chicken in their offering.

“There is a special synergy with the Taste this year celebrating its 30th birthday, as Nichols Poultry has been farming chicken in Tasmania for 30 years. We appreciate the community’s support of local produce,” she added.

Taste of Tasmania visitors will see a reinvented event this year, with organisers putting a strong focus on customer experience.

“The Taste punters are in for a real treat this year. There is a real commitment to celebrating Tasmanian produce as well as the amazing entertainment,” Ms Griffin said.

Taste of Tasmania is at Princes Wharf No 1 Shed, Hobart, between December 28 and January 3 and open 11am to 11pm daily.

Visit www.thetasteoftasmania.com.au for information.