Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel is set to evolve in 2022 with a new creative team taking the reins. Outgoing Festival Director, Simon Bryant will move on from his role after eight years at the helm. Bryant will take on a new role within the festival as Patron, where he will pass on his knowledge of the event and the industry to a new creative team, providing mentorship and guidance to the incoming team.

“I am looking forward to passing the baton to a new team of culinary geniuses and see what’s next for Tasting Australia,” said Mr Bryant.

“I am so proud to have led the Tasting Australia festival team for the past eight years. We have attracted many great chefs to the state and really shone a light on the South Australian food and beverage industry. It is so humbling to know our efforts as a culinary tourism event have supported and paid homage to our great producers, produce and regions.

“Stepping aside into the Patron role at this time is right for me – and to ensure the festival continues to be innovative in its program whilst also creating an opportunity for others in the industry to become involved. The festival is in safe hands with the new creative team.”

Hitaf Rasheed, Executive Director of Events South Australia recognises and pays tribute to Bryant’s significant contribution to the festival.

“Simon is one of the best in the business, it has been a pleasure to work alongside him and to see his passion for the festival and the industry year after year,” said Ms Rasheed.

“Simon has helped re-position and grow Tasting Australia into the world-class festival it is today, and he leaves a legacy which will long continue. Witnessing his commitment to the event has been wonderful – and we thank him for his efforts.

“Tasting Australia is all about telling the story of Australia and South Australia – promoting people, produce and place. It attracts some of the nation’s best culinary talent to South Australia and I am looking forward to seeing how the festival continues to evolve under a new creative team in 2022.”

Gina Norman, General Manager, Travel & Distribution from the festival’s presenting partner RAA Travel also thanked Simon for his many years of service that contributed to making Tasting Australia the well respected and highly engaging world-class festival it is today.

“Simon’s creative leadership has shone a spotlight on culinary tourism in South Australia. It is wonderful that he will be able to continue to have a strong influence as the festival’s Patron,” said Ms Norman.

“We are excited to continue working with Tasting Australia and look forward to seeing the festival grow from strength to strength into the future.”

Former Tasting Australia Patron, Cheong Liew will be acknowledged as a Legend of Tasting Australia, a new category recognising individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on South Australia and previously held the position as festival Patron. Cheong will be in good company, joining as a Tasting Australia Legend alongside Australian food icon and previous Patron Maggie Beer.

“It has been a great honour to be Patron for Tasting Australia for the past three years and I am truly just as honoured to be recognised as a Legend of Tasting Australia,” said Mr Liew.

“I am thrilled that Simon Bryant is moving into the Patron role and that his work with the festival will be recognised in this way.”

Tasting Australia’s new creative team will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel will take place across Adelaide and regional South Australia from 29 April – 8 May 2022. The event program will be revealed early December 2021. Visit tastingaustralia.com.au for more information on the festival.