Japan and South East Asia to see the best of Iron Chef Hiroyuki’s visit to the Gold Coast
Published Wednesday, 09 July, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Culinary treats prepared by Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai were on the menu at the Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace last weekend in a series of three sold-out gala dinner events.
Minister for Trade John Mickel today paid tribute to Iron Chef Sakai for the success of the dinners which attracted over 200 Australian and overseas guests, saying that there was huge potential for Queensland to build on already impressive export figures for food and hospitality services to Japan as a result of his visit.
“Iron Chef Sakai is recognised as the King of Iron Chefs. The cuisine he prepares is recognized not only in Japan, but internationally for its quality and innovation,” Mr Mickel said.
“The Government welcomes Iron Chef French Sakai, so known because of his passion and particular talent for producing French-influenced cuisine.
“We look forward to seeing the further promotion of Queensland’s fresh, high quality produce throughout Japan as a television crew also documented Chef Sakai’s visit. This will provide an additional opportunity to promote Queensland and the Gold Coast to Japan and South East Asia.
“The events utilised the best of Queensland produce such as macadamia nuts from Agrimac, part of Buderim Ginger from the Sunshine Coast, and Crystal Bay Prawns from north Queensland. And Golden Circle provided juice to be used as the non-alcoholic beverage at the functions. Having Chef Sakai showcase Queensland food promotes the high quality of meat, seafood and fresh fruit and vegetables produced in our State.
“Queensland exported $1.95 billion worth of food products to Japan in 2006-07 including $1.58 billion worth of meat, $42 million in fish and seafood, and $20.5 million of fruit and vegetables.
“The Government believes that there is significant potential to extend food exports to Japan, and one of the target areas is the high-end quality food market, which is personified by Chef Sakai,” Mr Mickel said.
Premier Anna Bligh met with Chef Sakai at his Tokyo restaurant La Rochelle in April 2008 and announced that a $5000 Queensland Government sponsorship would be made available on the Gold Coast gala dinners, through the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
“The Government’s sponsorship of Chef Sakai’s visit is an investment in further promoting the trade, tourism, cultural and indeed culinary relationships between Japan and Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said he was proud to support the Iron Chef gala dinner events as Iron Chef Sakai’s first ever trip to Queensland to showcase the delicious diversity and quality of our food and beverage products.
“In Queensland we are proud of our reputation as a producer of safe, innovative, market-focused products,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We apply world-class research and stringent biosecurity standards to maintain this reputation and ensure Queensland businesses can export for the enjoyment of consumers worldwide.”
Queensland business, Hospitality Training Association Inc, who recently signed a hospitality and language training agreement with a Japanese partner company, also provided event sponsorship.
The international education export market is worth $12 billion dollars annually to Australia, and Chef Sakai’s visit will assist in promoting Queensland and Australia to a potential television audience of 70 million.
Chef Sakai’s visit provided HTA students with a unique educational perspective with the King of Iron Chef’s making himself available for a special guest lecture at HTA.
HTA has also arranged for its staff to undertake professional development in Chef Sakai's French / Japanese restaurants and for their students to complete internships with Chef Sakai to providing a unique upskilling opportunity and cultural experience.
July 9, 2008
Minister’s office: John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
Minister for Trade John Mickel today paid tribute to Iron Chef Sakai for the success of the dinners which attracted over 200 Australian and overseas guests, saying that there was huge potential for Queensland to build on already impressive export figures for food and hospitality services to Japan as a result of his visit.
“Iron Chef Sakai is recognised as the King of Iron Chefs. The cuisine he prepares is recognized not only in Japan, but internationally for its quality and innovation,” Mr Mickel said.
“The Government welcomes Iron Chef French Sakai, so known because of his passion and particular talent for producing French-influenced cuisine.
“We look forward to seeing the further promotion of Queensland’s fresh, high quality produce throughout Japan as a television crew also documented Chef Sakai’s visit. This will provide an additional opportunity to promote Queensland and the Gold Coast to Japan and South East Asia.
“The events utilised the best of Queensland produce such as macadamia nuts from Agrimac, part of Buderim Ginger from the Sunshine Coast, and Crystal Bay Prawns from north Queensland. And Golden Circle provided juice to be used as the non-alcoholic beverage at the functions. Having Chef Sakai showcase Queensland food promotes the high quality of meat, seafood and fresh fruit and vegetables produced in our State.
“Queensland exported $1.95 billion worth of food products to Japan in 2006-07 including $1.58 billion worth of meat, $42 million in fish and seafood, and $20.5 million of fruit and vegetables.
“The Government believes that there is significant potential to extend food exports to Japan, and one of the target areas is the high-end quality food market, which is personified by Chef Sakai,” Mr Mickel said.
Premier Anna Bligh met with Chef Sakai at his Tokyo restaurant La Rochelle in April 2008 and announced that a $5000 Queensland Government sponsorship would be made available on the Gold Coast gala dinners, through the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
“The Government’s sponsorship of Chef Sakai’s visit is an investment in further promoting the trade, tourism, cultural and indeed culinary relationships between Japan and Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said he was proud to support the Iron Chef gala dinner events as Iron Chef Sakai’s first ever trip to Queensland to showcase the delicious diversity and quality of our food and beverage products.
“In Queensland we are proud of our reputation as a producer of safe, innovative, market-focused products,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We apply world-class research and stringent biosecurity standards to maintain this reputation and ensure Queensland businesses can export for the enjoyment of consumers worldwide.”
Queensland business, Hospitality Training Association Inc, who recently signed a hospitality and language training agreement with a Japanese partner company, also provided event sponsorship.
The international education export market is worth $12 billion dollars annually to Australia, and Chef Sakai’s visit will assist in promoting Queensland and Australia to a potential television audience of 70 million.
Chef Sakai’s visit provided HTA students with a unique educational perspective with the King of Iron Chef’s making himself available for a special guest lecture at HTA.
HTA has also arranged for its staff to undertake professional development in Chef Sakai's French / Japanese restaurants and for their students to complete internships with Chef Sakai to providing a unique upskilling opportunity and cultural experience.
July 9, 2008
Minister’s office: John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060