Gourmet delights to feature at food and wine show

Queensland gastronomes and wine connoisseurs will delight in a gourmet extravaganza when the 2008 Good Food & Wine Show returns to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 7-9 November.

Showcasing the food and wine products of more than 250 exhibitors from Australia wide, the event is one of the largest consumer exhibitions for the food industry.

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said visitors would be able to savour, sip and buy Queensland-produced fare at the State Government’s largest ever display.

“The Queensland Government stand in the World of Wine and Beer section will give 28 Queensland wineries and food manufacturers the chance to launch new products, educate and meet customers and build brand recognition,” Ms Boyle said.

“Granite Belt, Gold Coast, South Burnett and Western Queensland vineyards will feature, complementing delicious dips, quiche, cheese, sorbets and chutneys from boutique fine food producers.

“Our food and wine industries are growing rapidly, with a strong reputation for quality products in the domestic market, and a bourgeoning export base.

“Such exposure for Queensland companies at the Good Food and Wine Show, and the opportunity to build loyalty amongst consumers will help increase their long-term sales and market share.”

Ms Boyle said Queensland's food industry was one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the State contributing more than $15 billion annually to the Queensland economy through both domestic and international sales.

“The development of a sustainable, diverse and innovative wine industry has also been underway in earnest through a collaborative government-business approach since 2004,” Ms Boyle added.

“During this time Queensland wines have been exported to the USA, UK, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore and the Netherlands, Iceland, New Zealand and China.”

Visitors looking for more can also sample Queensland food and wine products at the exclusive Queensland Government Food and Wine Education Theatre, featuring five free sessions daily about an exciting range of food and wine topics.

For further information about the Good Food & Wine show visit www.goodfoodshow.com.au

5 November 2008

Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005