Bangkok, Thailand, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / “Taste the Wonders of Australia,” an initiative showcasing the best of premium Australian produce through Thai cuisine, is jointly organized by Australian agricultural and wine organizations – Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Seafood Industry Australia, Dairy Australia, Horticulture Innovation Australia, and Wine Australia – with support from the Australian government. This collaboration celebrates Australian food culture and its products to raise awareness among consumers and retailers in Thailand. The initiative also highlights how easily Australian produce can be incorporated into traditional Thai cooking.

Taste the Wonders of Australia – an initiative to raise awareness of top-quality Australian food and wines in Thailand.

The event offers culinary experts, gourmets, and foodies a unique opportunity to discover Australian produce – from red meat, seafood, and dairy products to fruits, nuts, vegetables, and wine. Celebrity chef Ksynn Detcharoen of Bangkok Private Chef Dining and a team of up-and-coming chefs from the renowned MSC Culinary School will create a Thai fusion menu that blends the flavors of both cultures. The aim is to tantalize taste buds, inspire chefs, impress importers and distributors, and showcase Thailand's culinary potential to business leaders and government officials.

The Thai fusion menu will be paired with Australian wines to highlight the diversity of styles and grape varieties that perfectly complement the distinctive flavors of Thai cuisine. Guests at this exclusive event—importers and distributors, Australian and Thai government officials, and members of the press—can look forward to culinary creations featuring top-quality Australian produce.

Thailand is the second largest economy in ASEAN and a major global tourist destination. This dynamic, consumer-driven market, with rising disposable income and around 35 million visitors, is experiencing increased demand for imported food and beverages, presenting numerous opportunities for Australian exporters.

Michael Helleman, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Austrade, said: “Thai cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every ingredient in a dish must speak for itself, and Australian exporters can deliver premium produce. Australia is known for its quality products, from the freshest vegetables to tender, humanely raised meat with fine marbling and full flavor. Australian seafood is also known for its excellent taste and sustainable processes – from packaging to harvesting. Our dairy, fruit, 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 wine styles. This makes Australian products the ideal choice for discerning Thai consumers who demand high quality. Australian produce and wines are already highly sought after by chefs and consumers alike for their excellent quality and distinctive taste.”

Regarding his menu, chef Ksynn said: “As a professional chef, I rely on Australian produce because of its quality, variety, and consistency. This is reflected in the menu I have created. Take the beef, for example – it comes from humane, unspoiled environments, and the vegetables and fruit are of the finest quality.”

The four-course menu for this special occasion begins with a tangy seafood and fruit salad featuring Australian seafood, fruits, and vegetables. This is followed by roti with lamb chop curry, showcasing Australian dairy products, vegetables, and lamb chops. The main course, fried rice cooked in beef fat with grilled Australian rump steaks, is garnished with baked mussels, mozzarella, and Allowrie butter. Dessert is the Australian classic Lamington – a soft chocolate cake with chocolate sauce, coconut flakes, mousse, and yogurt ice cream with seasonal Australian fruits.

Thai importers and consumers appreciate Australia's commitment to food safety and sustainability, viewing the country as a high-quality supplier. With growing concerns about food safety, Thai consumers are increasingly turning to Australian products, as their production involves fewer chemicals. Thanks to its unique environment, world-class producers, and superior quality controls, Australia offers some of the best flavors. Buyers expect Australian products to offer high quality, longer shelf life, and better taste compared to imported goods from other countries.