Tasmanian Produce to Feature Throughout G’DAY USA

15 January 2009

Tasmanian foods, water and wines are destined to impress at the forthcoming annual Australia Week Committee celebrations in the USA.

The Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, today detailed the many opportunities for Tasmanian produce at 2009 G’DAY USA events held during January in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

“For the 2009 G’DAY USA celebrations, Tourism Tasmania has partnered with celebrity chef Luke Mangan to showcase Tasmania’s finest produce to the USA and the rest of the world.

“Luke has long been a champion of Tasmania, and regularly sources quality Tasmanian produce for his signature restaurants in Sydney, Tokyo and San Francisco,” said Ms O’Byrne.

“His confidence in Tasmanian quality has also seen the development and launch of Luke Mangan Pristine Water, his signature table water that is sourced in Tasmania and been named the official water of 2009 G’DAY USA.

Mangan is designing the menus for a number of key events at the 2009 G’DAY celebrations, including Black Tie Gala Dinners in Los Angeles and New York and Tourism Tasmania’s Island of Inspiration media reception in San Francisco. 

“At each of these events, guests including prominent business, film and television executives, and key food and wine and lifestyle and travel media will enjoy Tasmanian seafood and meats, wines, cheeses and condiments, and Luke Mangan Pristine Water.

“And in another boost for the State’s culinary tourism offerings, Luke Mangan will be presenting a Tasmania-themed cooking demonstration at department store Macy’s in New York’s Herald Square on January 24.

“A similar promotion at Macy’s in San Francisco will be hosted by popular television chef Laura McIntosh, who travelled to Tasmania last year to shoot two episodes of her culinary lifestyle series Bringing it Home with Laura McIntosh, on January 17,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Tasmania’s cool climate wines will also receive unparalleled attention at an exclusive event attended by over 300 of New York’s leading philanthropists.

“An exclusive dinner held in partnership with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy at New York’s landmark Waldorf Astoria Hotel will see menu courses paired exclusively with Tasmanian wines.

“The quality of our wines has most recently been noted by the New York Times which named Tasmania as number 40 in its list of Top 44 Places to Go in 2009, based on our delectable wines and ‘hip’ cultural programs such as the recent Mona Foma.”

“These opportunities represent tremendous exposure for the Tasmanian brand and its reputation for excellence,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Tasmanian produce will also be showcased at numerous public events across the G’DAY program.

“The 2009 US Winter Fancy Food Show – this year scheduled to coincide with the G’DAY celebrations – will also feature a networking reception and four of the 21 Australian stands will be devoted to Tasmanian produce.

“And for the entire month of January, gourmet supermarket chains across California, San Francisco and New York will feature selected Tasmanian products through a series of in-store promotions and cooking demonstrations.

“This broad exposure is certain to reinforce Tasmania’s international reputation for being a source of pure, wholesome and delicious produce,” Ms O’Byrne said.

G’Day USA 2009 runs from 13-24 January 2009 with events in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

G’Day USA features a diverse program of activities and events showcasing the very best of Australian business and investment; food and wine; travel; fashion, conservation, film and culture.  The Tasmanian Government participates in this annual showcase through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Further information: Rohan Wade (03) 6336 2443 or 0417 051 255