Last month, six Pacific businesses arrived in Paris, France, to showcase their premium Pacific products at the Gourmet Selection Trade Show, a leading high-end and fine-food gastronomic event. Established in 2009, the event is a platform for professionals in the delicatessen sector in Europe, attracting visitors, buyers, importers, retailers and chefs from the gourmet industry across the continent.
Taking centre stage, and drawing large crowds, was Fiji Ginger from Fiji; Niue Honey and Niue Vanilla from Niue; Bora Bora Sea Salt from French Polynesia; and Frangipani Foods and BANZ Coffee from Papua New Guinea. The array of stunning Pacific products was displayed at the Pacific Trade Invest stand, which also hosted ongoing cooking demonstrations with renowned French Polynesian Chef, Teheiura Teahui.
Born on the island of Taha’a, in the Society Archipelago, Teheiura now resides in mainland France, where he has amassed a large fan base. Audiences were thrilled to witness his craft in action, and snap photos with the celebrity chef. The menu included inspired delights such as tuna tataki; while he also prepared dishes using Papua New Guinea’s galip nut; edamame using French Polynesia’s sea salt; and a tartare of sea bream using Niue’s vanilla and honey. Humming with quintessential Pacific cuisine, culture and good humour, the Pacific Trade Invest stand was one of the most visited of trade show.
It was against this vivid backdrop that the Pacific businesses met with specialist buyers from across the industry, forging connections for future business growth in the European market.
PTI Europe’s Trade Commissioner, Jodie Stewart, said the show was an extraordinary podium on which to promote these exquisite products.
“Gourmet Selection has been an absolute highlight of the year. It was fantastic to see the crowd respond with such enthusiasm to what the Pacific has to offer. The businesses are now in the midst of diligent discussion with contacts they connected with at the show and, excitingly, early indications suggest we will see some great results off the back of this event.”
For more information on connecting Pacific exporters with the European market, reach out to the PTI Europe team here.
