Le Cordon Bleu Awards 2010

The Le Cordon Bleu Awards provides global recognition to the very best in the international food and drink publishing and broadcasting industries.

The foodie equivalent of the movie Oscars, the 2010 Le Cordon Bleu Awards acknowledges the work of food and drink professionals. Entries were received from all over the globe, including USA, New Zealand, France, Australia, Spain, Cambodia, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The more than 700 entries received were judged by an international panel of 60 jurors.

South Africa performed exceptionally well, with Cheviot Publishing’s Essential Guide to SA Wines – terroir & travel short-listed for the Best Drinks Book. Publisher Elmari Swart commented: “I am overjoyed with the short-listing of our title. It is an honour for us to be in the company of esteemed international authors, photographers and chefs. And we send our heartfelt congratulations to Andrew Jefford, who won the Ladle for "Best Drinks Book”.

In addition to Le Cordon Bleu Gold ladles, two distinguished food and drink industry individuals were honoured for their outstanding achievements. British chef, restaurateur, TV presenter and writer Jamie Oliver was inducted into the International Hall of Fame, while Australia’s Maggie Beer was the national inductee.

Ian Parmenter, Jury Chairman, said “the standard of entries in this year’s competition was extraordinarily high and the international judges were faced with an enormous task. However, they were consistent in their agreement on the winners.” Mr. Andre Cointreau, President, Le Cordon Bleu said: “I am very proud to once again be involved in the Awards and its association with winners of such high calibre and international standing. Bravo and congratulations to all of the very deserving award recipients”.

We agree!!!

World Cup 2010 - feel it, it is here!!!

It is the eve of the Fifa World Cup Soccer 2010, South Africa.
We are waving our flags, blowing our vuvuzelas and all that's left to say is:















Go Bafana Bafana!!!

Financial Mail: Young Achiever 2009/2010

The second annual FM Wine Business Awards revealed astonishing depth in the wider South African wine industry. The award celebrates exceptional performance in terms of best business practice, innovation and leadership.

The Young Achiever award went to Elmari Swart for her work in Cheviot Publishing! The judges found that not only are the wine related books published by Cheviot based on in-depth research, but also provides unique insights into the subject matter. The judges noted the tangible impact on consumers’ understanding of terroir. In addition, the branching into custom-publishing and multi-media clinched the award for Cheviot. Described by the judges as “the perfect candidate for the award, Elmari is indeed the rising star with ambition, drive and demonstrable achievements under her belt that this category embodies”.

Awards convenors John Woodward (Frogitt & Vonkel Private Wine Merchants & founder Jo’burg Wine Show) and Delarey Brugman (entrepreneur, wine industry investor & owner Alluvia Wine Estate) were unanimous about achieving their goal. “The rationale behind the awards was to shift the industry’s focus to the contributions of the role players throughout the value chain” mentions Woodward. Supported by South Africa's leading business publication, the Financial Mail, participants and award-winners will enjoy the recognition of a Financial Mail Special Report supplement on the Awards.

Paris Food and Wine Book Fair

The city of Paris recently played host to inaugural Paris Food and Wine Book Fair 2010, from 12 – 15 February 2010 at new cultural exhibition centre of Le Cent Quarte.

Considered a culinary headquarters, Paris proved the perfect venue to bring together the best in the food and wine publishing industry.

More than 100 exhibitors showed their various titles, with about 55% of French origin and 45% foreign exhibitors. Most of the large French culinary publishers were present (Marabout, Hachette Pratique, Le Chêne, Larousse, First, Flammarion, Alain Ducasse Publishing to mention a few) alongside several big international publishers, distributors and printers. It was four very busy days with more than 3100 trade visitors and hundreds of interested members of the public attending the event.

Fortunately it was not all work! The long hours of serious business negotiations on distribution and international rights were balanced by loads of entertainment. Celebrity chefs presented more than 50 cooking demonstrations in a French and an International kitchen, giving visitors an interactive cooking experience with a “taste of their culture”.

The wine and spirit tasting centre was tremendously popular, hosting more than 40 tastings over the 4 days. Products from a range of diverse countries were presented: France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, USA, Canada and China. Ninety per cent of the tastings promoted a corresponding book, with the author and/or publisher discussing the title; while the balance of tastings focussed on regional products.

Cheviot Publishing is very excited about the new business connections made at the fair. It was truly a very elegant and joyful event, and indeed great for business. We look forward to reporting on our new sales partners!

SOUTH AFRICA WINS IN PARIS!

SOUTH AFRICA WINS IN PARIS!

On Thursday 11th February 2010, the theatre of Le Cent Quarte, Paris was transformed to a glittering celebration in honour of Food and Wine books. The international publishing industry, authors, photographers and members of the media from around the world joined the Cointreau family in Paris to pay tribute of this year’s guests of honour: The finalists of the 2009 Gourmand competition.

Publisher Elmari Swart joined the winning ranks again this year with Cheviot Publishing’s latest title, The Essential Guide to South African Wines (by E Swart & I Smit). The title was voted as one of the two WORLD's BEST BOOKS in the category “Wine Atlas or Tourism Guide in the World”. Said Swart: “It is a huge honour to be counted amongst the best wine books in the world! I am delighted to fly the flag for South Africa at the Gourmand World Gala.” Elmari also presented a wine tasting to the visitors of the Paris Book Fair to highlight key components of South African terroir.

The gala was a highlight on the culinary calendar with visitors travelling from far and wide to attend. While the European countries along with the Americas dominated the entry numbers (60%+), the East as well as Africa saw a significant increase in finalist numbers. The winning titles and a wide selection of culinary and wine books will be exhibited this year at the Cape Town Book Fair (30 July – 3 August 2010), in a special exhibition of food and wine books from South Africa, and other countries of the African Continent.

Cheviot Publishing would like to thank the organisers for a magnificent Gala event and congratulate all the other winners!!!

SOUTH AFRICAN WINE BOOK SCORES GOAL FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL AWARD

With all eyes on South Africa as the host for the 2010 Wold Cup Soccer, the stars also shine brightly off the field. A vibrant nation, South Africans are known for their rich culture, linking gastronomic appreciation and a love of travel.

The Essential Guide to South African Wines: terroir & travel was honoured at the Gourmand World Awards as the best Wine Tourism / Wine Atlas title, and offers local and international visitors an exciting journey through the Winelands.

“Gourmand” originated in 13th century Celtic and today the Gourmand World Awards is heralded as the highest accolade in food and wine publication. For French epicurean Edouard Cointreau, CEO and Chairman, Gourmand captures the appreciation of gastronomy which enhances the quality of life as well as excellence in the art of writing.

Wine connoisseur and publisher, Elmari Swart, shares Cointreau’s vision and the unique partnership with more than 120 of South Africa’s premier wineries; industry specialists such as the Garagiste Winemakers, Brandy Foundation and Wine & Biodiversity Initiative and world renowned researchers, made this a truly remarkable effort.

Released on 12 November 2009, the Guide’s timing is perfect to ensure that the many soccer visitors in 2010 will be able to balance the on-field action, with off-field exploration of picturesque South Africa. The spotlight will focus on this publication again in February 2010, when the regional winners compete in Paris, France for the coveted title of “The World’s Best”.

The South African media and wineries agree with the Gourmand judges:

“Colleagues in the (Canadian) wine industry have commented on what a fantastic tool they are for marketing the wine industry of South Africa. Congratulations & thank you so much for making my job so much easier!” Jacqui Taylor, Meerlust Wine Estate

“Congratulations on an excellent publication. It is refreshing to see a new approach to wine producers” Danie Truter, owner Onderkloof Vines & Wines

“Definitive guide to SA’s best wines” Saturday Star

“I'm happy to recommend it, …. for the knowledgeable introductions to 36 ‘winemaking units’, or ‘pockets’… ” Tim James, wine critic

What makes a good wine writer?

We look at three principles that make for good wine journalism, expresses certain reservations regarding Robert Parker, and ask whether many oversees wine writer's are out of touch with South African wines?

A recent article on elitism in South African wine writing got me thinking. Does elitism in wine journalism constitute a fault? And what makes for good wine writing? On the subject of elitism, British wine icons Hugh Johnson and Michael Broadbent have built their reputations on tasting many of the world's greatest wines. But no-one can accuse them of elitism. They are simply doing their job. Hugh Johnson's bestselling Pocket Wine Book must by necessity review the most valued wines but it does include many budget ranges when applicable.

Read the full article: http://www.wine.co.za/News/news.aspx?NEWSID=15043&Source=News