According to Cashmore, record crowds thronged through the entrances to see, taste, participate and buy. Many of the visitors came back for a second and even a third time. Thousands of rands worth of prizes, including an Elba Stove worth R15 000, a R10 000 Le Creuset voucher, a sports package to watch South Africa play France in Toulouse as well as an Indian experience which included flights and accommodation, were handed out during the four days of the Show.
Celebrity chefs Ainsley Harriott, Reza Mahammad, Valentine Warner, Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi and Patrick Williams flown in by Swiss International Air Lines were welcomed at a star studded charity dinner hosted by Samsung at The Palazzo Monte Casino Hotel with true Gauteng hospitality. Funds raised were donated to two worthy charities – Operation Bobby Bear and Copes Clinic SA, which assist abused children in Soweto and Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Showstopper Ainsley Harriott proved once again that you can have fun in the kitchen with his hip-swinging moves.
BBC celeb chef Valentine Warner entertained the crowds with his knowledge of fresh produce. He was also a judge of the new Biltong Boulevard competition, which was won by H&F Meats from Midrand, and which South African delicacy he professed to have a keen taste for.
Ainsley Harriott in action during the Good Food and Wine Show
Patrick Williams added a Caribbean flavour to the interactive workshops and gave everyone a taste of what’s to come when he opens his new restaurant and culinary school in South Africa.
Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi wowed the crowds with their Italian charm, demonstrating to jam-packed Chefs in Action theatre audiences the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Katie launched her new book, The Italian cookery School, which was sold out on the second day.
Flamboyant Reza Mahammad crowned Jozi’s Bunny Chow winner Zara Kara from Karma Restaurant.
Says Cashmore: “The Show secured major broadcast publicity that included BBC Worldwide, SABC 2 Eastern Mosaic, Top Billing, an outdoor broadcast from the Show to celebrate Morning Live’s 10th birthday, e.TV’s breakfast show, 3Talk with Noleen and All Access. Millions of rands worth of publicity was secured with the biggest radio stations including Highveld Stereo 94.7, Talk Radio 702, Jacaranda 94.2, Kaya FM and Jozi FM.
Trade was brisk and exhibitors sold well and made excellent contacts. Gavin Stork form Nwanedi wines shared his comments: ‘We love the Show! We are going to attend every Good Food & Wine Show from now on, as the contacts we have made are invaluable.”
Ida Oosthuizen from Wamakersvallei said: “We will definitely be back next year as we have made such great sales.”
Fresh and Krispy secured two airline contracts and a listing from a major retailer. Hallmark Oysters sold 12 500 oysters within the first two days. Mercedes Benz secured R4m worth of sales during the four day period. Newly launched Vintage Green, 100% organic juices, successfully launched their brand into the South African market at the Show.
Four students from the Capsicum Culinary School were offered employment by the BBC Celebrity chefs which, says Cashmore, proves just what fantastic experience they gain by working at The Good Food & Wine Show.
“The Show clearly illustrated the public’s desire for interactivity with brands. This was evident from the popularity of the Hands-on Workshops, Coffee Creation Theatre and the Cocktail Workshops as well as the success of the interactive exhibits including Checkers, Tygerbrands All Gold, Golden Cloud and Tastic,” says Cashmore. The Grolsch Beer and Food Pairing theatre was one of the most popular interactive areas.”
Booking for stands at the Cape Town Show have opened.
