Epicurean Markets Brings Australia to Texas

Rice Epicurean Markets will give its shoppers a taste of Australian cuisine later this month with its Australian Made Australian Grown (AMAG) campaign, which will showcase some of Australia's finest gourmet foods and wines from January 26 through March 1 as part of the national G'Day USA Australia Week 2011.

"We think our customers will be pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality of the products we're bringing in for this promotion," says Scott Silverman, VP of specialty foods at Rice Epicurean. "From ultra-premium coffee and award-winning cheeses, to Australian lamb and world-class olive oils, these products represent some of Australia's best exports."

AMAG's kangaroo symbol, an identifier of genuine Australian products, will highlight over 100 foods throughout the Houston retailer's five stores including Murray River pink salt, Brookfarm macadamia muesli, snacks and oils, Something Good allergen-free baking mixes, and Tucker's Natural gourmet dessert crackers.

"The AMAG logo is a registered mark so shoppers can be reassured that when they see the logo they're buying products that reflect Australia's clean environment and very high food safety standards," says Ian Harrison, AMAG's chief executive. "All these products are world-class foods coming out of a country better known for its beaches than its cheeses.”

The event will also feature cheeses from King Island Dairy, Yarra Valley Dairy, Moondarra, Murray Bridge, Mil Lel parmesan and the Tasmanian Heritage Range – all of which have won multiple awards around the globe and can be paired with Valley Produce Company's fruit pastes and Arnott's or Waterwheel crackers. Wines from Australian vineyards will include Saint Hallett Wines and Penfolds.

"It's important for us to keep our customers interested and engaged, working with the Australian Made campaign to bring together the best food and wines Australia has to offer is a great way to do that," said Silverman.

AMAG (www.australianmade.com) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the use of the iconic green and gold kangaroo logo on Australian made or grown products. All goods promoted in association with the trademark meet compliance criteria set out in a code of practice. Established in 1986, the Australian Made logo now appears on over 10,000 products, sold in over 50 countries.

Founded in 1937, Rice Epicurean Markets operates five stores in Houston and its surrounding areas.