Savour Tasmania: State’s finest on menu for China dinner

AN EVENT that showcases the best of Tasmania’s produce and beverages will be held in China.

Savour Tasmania. Wrest Point Casino Executive Chef, Andre Kropp is heading to China as part of a Savour Tasmania delegation to increase demand for Tasmania's produce.

SAVOUR Tasmania, the event that showcases the best of Tasmania’s world-class produce and beverages, will be held in China for the first time this year.

It will be the centrepiece of the September trade mission to Tasmania’s largest trading partner, which culminates in a gala dinner at the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel.

More than 300 “in-market influencers” will attend the dinner — a menu featuring Tasmanian salmon, wild abalone, and quality beef as well as pinot and sparkling wines and whisky.

Wrest Point executive chef Andre Kropp will work with the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel head chef to craft a menu that uses Tasmanian produce in a Chinese context.

Mr Kropp has been involved with Savour Tasmania since it started in 2008. He said the China trip was “the cherry on top” that would open doors for Tasmanian businesses.

“Normally we bring chefs to Tasmania to showcase our produce, but now we’re taking the produce to the chefs and sharing it with a whole new export market. I’m confident this opportunity will open up a lot of doors for local business,’’ he said.

The menu will feature Westernised cooking methods combined with Chinese-influenced flavours.

The trade mission will focus on international education and training, hospitality, tourism, energy and the Antarctic.

State Growth Minister Matthew Groom said economic growth in Asia had created an opportunity to combine the power of China with the “charm of Tasmania”.

“Trade missions are a key tool in ensuring that we continue to provide local companies with the opportunities and support they need to open up new markets,’’ he said.

Forty delegates representing agriculture, education, ­energy, local government and the Antarctic sector will ­accompany Mr Groom to China from September 4 to September 11.

Originally published as Savour Tasmania: State’s finest on menu for China dinner