The Hilton team included executive chef Simon Bryant, executive sous chef Nathan Johnson and 10 other chefs, front of house staff and their butcher.

The trip was initiated through liaison with Good Food Kangaroo Island, Hilton Adelaide and the Kangaroo Island Development Board’s food and wine officer, Penny Nemeth.

“The trip was a fantastic initiative, which came as a result of the Hilton Adelaide featuring Kangaroo Island and Fleurieu produce on their menu for the months of April and May,” Ms Nemeth said.

“In conjunction with the regional feature, the Hilton Adelaide has allowed Kangaroo Island to have a regional display at the entrance of the Brasserie which has been created and will remain until the end of the regional promotion,” she said.

The two days were intense and action packed, including visits to Andermel Marron, Island Pure, Kangaroo Island Spirits, Chapman River Wines, KI Fresh Seafood, Island Beehive, KI Abalone, Clifford’s Honey Farm and Southern Ocean Lodge. A special mention must go to Kate and Andy Gilfillan who hosted a regional lunch on Sunday. Lunch was superbly cooked by Kate Sumner from Kangaroo Island Source, with Simon Bryant lending a hand to cook the Kangaroo Island marron.

“The range of local produce showcased at lunch on Sunday and over the two days was fantastic. These included KI Fresh chicken and gourmet lettuces, South Rock Lamb, Island Pure Haluomi, Kangaroo Island marron, Kangaroo Island Source dukka and chutneys, KI abalone, Island Samphire, Ildoura Native jams, KI Honey and Kangaroo Island wines. The Kangaroo Island food and wine producers were on site to speak to the Hilton team as they travelled and tasted their way around the Island, providing a true representation of Kangaroo Island gourmet experiences and why our region is so unique.” Ms Nemeth said

The visit to Kangaroo Island was organised with two key objectives.

First, to allow the Hilton team to meet the producers, see where the produce comes from and experience the uniqueness of Kangaroo Island. The second objective was for the Kangaroo Island producers to showcase their produce to a captive audience and build greater relationships.