Food on show to tempt even the most jaded of palates

East London’s ICC filled with the aroma of delicious edibles

Aromas spilt out of the East London ICC on Thursday as food suppliers showed off their delectable treats at the food trade show.
From cocktail pies, deep fried pancakes and Southern style coated chicken to fragrant spices, traditional cheeses and yoghurts, exhibitors from all over the country put on mouth-watering displays at the annual show hosted by an East London food supply company, Fridge Foods.
While wacky comedian Gino Fabbri entertained the room with a witty running commentary, auctions and lucky draws, visitors were implored to take a bite or two and experience the flavoursome offerings.
“The show gives our suppliers an opportunity to promote their products to our customers and gives us an opportunity to build and nurture relationships with both,” Fridge Foods procurement manager and show organiser Diane Birkholtz said.
“Every year we also use the show as an opportunity to support local charities.
“This year Breath of Life and Soul Sisters will be the beneficiaries of our auctions, which carry on throughout the day.”
As a new addition to the menu, this year Sovereign Foods and Unilever Food Solutions provided cooking demonstrations on stage to illustrate the versatility of their products.
“We’re showing off our fillet cooked chicken legs using various ingredients. It’s an alterative to the usual roasted chicken with its Southern style coating. It’s really easy to make as well because the chicken is already fully cooked so you don’t have to spend as much time frying it,” Karen Beyer of Sovereign Foods said.
Kim Rennie of Unilever said they were excited to show off two of their best products.
“Our Knorr mash flakes and Pronto sauce are two of our best sellers, so we’re making gnocchi with a tomato-based sauce. Mash flakes are a great alternative for people who are gluten intolerant, so we’re keen to show how quick and easy cooking with them can be.”
For Riaan Victor of Alfalfa Dairy, the show was an opportunity to promote new products from the family owned business.
“We have two new products on promotion today – our double cream Greek-style yoghurt and traditional crumbly feta cheese. We’re a farm-based company and produce all our own products. Our traditional cheeses such as cheddar and gouda are our biggest line and are also on promotion today,” said Victor, who has attended the annual show for the last six years.
Introducing Beefy’s Pies to the Eastern Cape, Kim Bucknall of Kim’s Gourmet showed off various savoury treats, but made sure to offer her deep fried milk tart pancakes first.
“Life is unpredictable so I always say it’s better to eat dessert first. These deep fried pancakes actually came about as a mistake but I think they should be on every dessert menu.
“They’re made with regular pancake batter, deep fried with a milk tart filling and drizzled with cinnamon.
“My passions are people and food, and this is my 10th show. I love the vibe and how hands-on all the Fridge Food staff are with all their customers and suppliers.”..

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