Bangkok, Thailand, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ‘Taste the Wonders of Australia’, an initiative showcasing the very best of premium Australian produce using Thai cuisine as a medium, is jointly organised by Australian agrifood and wine organisations: Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Seafood Industry Australia, Dairy Australia, Horticulture Innovation Australia and Wine Australia, with the support of the Australian government. This collaboration celebrates Australia’s food culture and produce to raise awareness about it among consumers and distributors in Thailand. The initiative also underlines how easily Australian produce translates into Thai home-style meals.

Taste the Wonders of Australia – an initiative to raise awareness about premium Australian food and wine in Thailand.

The event presents a unique opportunity for culinary experts, gourmets and foodies to learn about Australian produce – red meat, seafood, dairy, fruit, nuts and vegetables and wine. Celebrity chef Ksynn Detcharoen of Bangkok Private Chef Dining and a team of student chefs from the renowned MSC Culinary School will create a Thai fusion menu blending the flavours of the two cultures to tantalise the taste buds, inspire chefs, galvanise importers and distributors and uncover for business leaders and Thai government officials the culinary possibilities.

The Thai fusion menu is paired with Australian wines to highlight the diverse styles and varietals which match the distinct flavours in Thai cuisine. Guests at this exclusive event – importers and distributors, Australian and Thai government officials, and members of the press will enjoy a many culinary creations using premium Australian produce.

Thailand is the second-biggest economy in ASEAN and a major global tourism destination. This dynamic and consumer-driven market with rising disposable income and a huge visitor market of around 35 million is increasing its demand for imported food and beverages, offering many opportunities for Australian exporters.

Michael Helleman, Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner said, “Thai cuisine is famous for its use of fresh and quality ingredients. Every ingredient in a dish has to speak for itself, and Australian exporters can provide premium quality products. Australia is known for its quality produce, from the freshest vegetables to naturally-raised tender meat with beautiful marbling and flavours. Australian seafood is similarly known for its superior taste and sustainable processes from packaging to harvesting. Our dairy products, fruits and vegetables meet the highest standards. Australia has one of the most exciting wine scenes in the world with 65 wine regions and a diverse range of styles. This makes Australian products the perfect match for Thai consumers who are very aware of and demand quality. Australian produce and wine are already sought after by chefs and consumers for their excellent quality and distinctive taste.

Speaking of his menu Chef Ksynn said, “As a professional chef, I have come to rely on Australian products for their quality, variety and sheer consistency. You can see this in the menu I have created. Take the beef – it is raised in natural, pristine environments, and the vegetables and fruits are the finest you can get.”

The four-course menu for this landmark event opens with a Seafood Spicy Fruit Salad of Australian seafood, fruits and vegetables. Next is Roti and Lamb Rack Curry, showcasing Australian dairy, vegetables and lamb rack. The main course, Beef Fat Fried Rice with Grilled Australian Rump Cuts, is topped with baked mussels, mozzarella cheese and Allowrie butter. Dessert is the Australian classic Lamington – soft chocolate sponge cake with chocolate sauce, coconut flakes, mousse and yoghurt ice cream with seasonal Australian fruit.

Thai importers and customers appreciate Australia’s “food safety and sustainability” credentials and perceive it as a high-quality supplier. Thai customers are turning to Australian produce for its lower chemical usage in the production process as concerns about food safety become more widely known. Australia delivers some of the best flavours with its unique environment, world-class producers, and superior quality control standards. Buyers expect Australian produce to be of a high standard, have a longer shelf life and taste better when compared to imported products from other countries.