Tasmanian Independent Retailers and IGA supermarkets are set to play a vital role in the promotion of local Tasmanian products, as part of the Taste Tasmania campaign launched in Hobart today (Sunday).
The campaign, a State Government and Department of Economic Development (DED) initiative, has been developed to raise the profile of locally grown and processed food and beverage products, making them easier for consumers to identify.
The aim is to build and promote a consistent Tasmanian food and beverage brand; increase the ability of local shoppers and tourists to identify Tasmanian produce in supermarkets; and influence them to purchase local produce.
Tasmanian Independent Retailers CEO Grant Hinchcliffe said Tasmania was a natural larder, with pristine seas, clean air and fertile soils, providing the perfect environment to produce some of the world’s best food and wine.
“Research has indicated that many Tasmanian consumers are willing to buy more Tasmanian products, but they want them to be clearly identifiable and this campaign will help to meet those needs,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.
“As industry partners in the campaign, the TIR and IGA network recognises the vital role we play in promoting the amazing array of food beverages produced on our very own doorstep.
“We realise how important it is for us to help raise the profile and awareness of Tasmanian products and the influence we can have in encouraging our customers to choose Tasmanian.”
DED, in consultation with TIR will be organising in-store food demonstrations by Megan and Andy from My Kitchen Rules in various IGA supermarkets around the State to enhance the in-store experience.
Recipe cards showing four different recipes developed by Megan and Andy showcasing Tasmanian products will also be available to our customers in store.
“Whether it’s a cut of Dilston Angus, a bite of Huon Valley, a dollop of Deloraine or a cheeky sip of Tamar Valley, we’ll be encouraging all our stores and suppliers to support our campaign and Taste
the Tasmania difference.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the State Government, DED and Minister O’Byrne for this great initiative and we look forward to working in partnership with them, alongside our local producers from around the State.”
• Jan Davis, TFGA: The first box to tick – is it Tasmanian?
Choosing Tasmanian when you go to the corner shop, the supermarket or the butcher makes sound economic sense for the state and demonstrates faith in our farmers, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association said today.
“If people buy local produce more of each dollar spent on food will stay in Tasmania,” TFGA executive Jan Davis said. “It generates extra economic activity here in Tasmania, and that means local jobs.”
Ms Davis was commenting on the launch of the Taste Tasmania campaign encouraging locals to buy Tasmanian food and drinks.
Farmers are partners in the campaign with the Tasmanian Government, the Tasmanian Independent Retailers/IGA group and the Tasmanian Hospitality Association.
“We know that Tasmanian consumers prefer to buy local food and beverages, but it has not always been easy to identify what is local and what is imported,” she said.
“The Taste Tasmania campaign will highlight local product in the shops. That should be the first box you tick before you buy. We are the best in the world at what we do, so you know when you buy Tasmanian produce, quality is assured. Therefore, with competitive prices, we say buy Tasmanian. It shows your heart’s in the right place and supports local jobs and local communities.”
Tasmania has 3400 farms directly employing more than 8000 people and generating more than $1.6 billion at farm gate each year.
