Good Food & WIne Show Johannesburg opens in seven weeks

JOHANNESBURG - ’s biggest and longest running interactive food and wine show, The Good Food and Wine Show® 2009, is set to open in Johannesburg in just seven weeks.

The four-day show (29 October to 1 November), which is known for its quality produce, innovative appliances and food theatre featuring local and international celebrity chefs, is expected to attract more than 300 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors to the Coca Cola Dome in North Riding.

Hosted annually in Cape Town (May), Durban (July) and Johannesburg, The Good Food & Wine Show® gives exhibitors, from small speciality producers to major manufacturers, the opportunity to showcase their wares to a targeted audience, which includes local food and wine lovers, and local and international distributors and retailers.

According to show director, Christine Cashmore, the show has proved an outstanding platform for the South African food and wine trade.

“Since its inception we’ve had many success stories from our exhibitors who have generated fantastic sales and made incredible trade contacts at the show,” says Cashmore. “Feedback has shown that they regularly exceed their expectations of on-site sales and trade orders including export opportunities. As a result our exhibitors are incredibly loyal to us and the show attracts the best brands in the industry. The show has also proven to be an excellent opportunity to test and launch new products to the LSM 8-12 market.”

This year The Good Food & Wine Show® in Johannesburg has introduced a number of new categories which will provide an excellent marketing platform for many brands:

·       From the Garden to the Kitchen – with the demand for seasonal, organic produce by chefs and home cooks, this interactive theatre will demonstrate how to contribute to a sustainable environment by growing one’s own fruit and vegetables and preparing healthy meals. This is an opportunity for producers to showcase organic produce including cheeses, olive oils, and organic wines.

·       The Beer and Cider Route – a showcase of premium local and imported ciders and beers available in South Africa, including an interactive theatre forum, with educational talks by international master brewers and a beer pouring competition.

·       The Great Wine Sale – an extension of the ever-popular Wine Walk, this dedicated area will showcase premium wines, available for both tasting and purchase at great show prices. Packages for wineries participating in this area are fully inclusive of all stand services and a complimentary porter service.

·       The Cocktail Court – hands-on cocktail workshops and host to the Regional and National Classic Cocktail Competitions for bartenders and mixologists from across the country.

·       City Bites - featuring top local restaurants and their signature dishes.

·       Convenience Foods – valuable information about producing delicious time-saving meals for busy people.

·       Outdoor Entertaining – with an interactive theatre where top chefs and sports personalities will demonstrate outdoor cooking and living, this is a fantastic opportunity for manufacturers of outdoor furniture and lifestyle accessories including gas braais and grills.

·       Soweto Bites – top Sowetan restaurants showcase African cuisine

The traditional popular show categories include:

·       Chefs in Action Theatre – featuring Top Billing presenters with the world’s leading celebrity chefs and top local chefs;

·       Coffee Creation – speciality coffee making, including the National Barista Championships;

·       Spekko Rice Eastern Mosaic Pavilion - Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern cuisine;

·       Chefs Come Clean Theatre – Q&A sessions hosted by BBC celebrity chef Brian Turner;

·       The Traditional Tastes Pavilion – featuring local cuisine, beer and wine;

·       Super Foods For Kids - healthy eating for kids;

·       Afrox Best South African Restaurant Chefs Theatre - award-winning South African chefs conjure up their signature dishes;

·       Hand-on Workshops – learn to cook with top international and local chefs.

For further information about tickets and the full programme visit www.gourmetsa.co.za