By Neena Bhandari, IANS,
Sydney : Produce of Heaven, a consortium of premium food and wine producers and farmers from Australia’s only island state of Tasmania, will soon be launching its pure, clean, green products in India through the premium hospitality industry.
“We want to bring to the Indian market clean, green food, which is exceptional in taste, through the premium hospitality market in India,” Produce of Heaven director Mark Baker told IANS.
“Our products are absolutely free of GM and many of the pests and contaminants found elsewhere on mainland Australia and other parts of the world.”
Voted by the World Health Organisation as having the cleanest air in the world and recognised for its pristine water and rich volcanic soils, northwest Tasmania has been a magnet for countries seeking food purity and tourists looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience.
The Produce of Heaven consortium has access to 200 farmers and 55 businesses, which include the iconic King Island, Tasfresh, Webster, Barringwood winery and Petuna seafood brands.
“Produce of Heaven will be supplying dairy cheese, fruits and vegetables, beef and lamb, seafood and wines round the year. Our focus is the four key offshore markets: India, Hong Kong, Dubai and Taiwan,” Baker said.
“We’ll be inviting people from the Indian hospitality industry for a range of tourism food experiences and taking a delegation to India early next year.”
“India is that blossoming jewel which has strongly demonstrated their appreciation for good tasting food. Gaining feedback from my associates from the Indian food Industry has provided an excellent insight into what the market is seeking from professional food visit experiences.” Baker explained to IANS.
“With over 300 different foods, produce and beverages combined with our natural, untouched beauty, it will be an experience like no other,” said Baker, a fourth generation producer from the region.
“We are in negotiations for supply of value-added products and organic baby food. The ingredients for the Indian market will be tailored to suit the Indian palate. For example, apple sauce will be to Indian taste and packaged with long shelf life,” Baker said.
Produce of Heaven is also developing an Australian $4 million agricultural business park northwest of the island state, which is a gourmet and wilderness paradise sometimes referred to as the ‘Apple Isle’. The park will help producers develop and test new products and improve the shelf life of products.
(Neena Bhandari can be contacted at [email protected])