Having attended Tasmania’s largest field event for close to a decade, Chris Carins – co-owner of Little Rivers Brewing Co and Bridport Distilling Co alongside his wife Jess – was no stranger to the magnitude of Agfest. However he had no hesitation in labelling last year’s among the best experiences he has had being part of the THA’s “Best of Tasmanian Hospitality” pavilion, and is itching to return for the 2023 edition. For the first time the THA took centre stage on South Street, housing a host of the state’s premium food and beverage offerings under the one roof, alongside several hospitality training providers and additional experiences. The four days proved a huge success, with more than 50,000 people wandering through Quercus Park leaving the THA’s area full of activation, while providing plenty of seating options for punters to enjoy their food and beverages. From whisky to gin to beer and cider, Angus Gourmet Steak Sandwiches, Pyengana cheese and Tassal salmon, there was something for everyone. “We’ve been in the shed for the last seven or eight years at Agfest but last year’s one was obviously the first time [the THA] took it over and the atmosphere was just incredible,” Carins said. “It was really good, we were stoked with how you had set it all out, there was a great vibe for the producers and all the space for
people to sit down and try everyone’s produce.”
Carins has often used Agfest as an opportunity to get the Little Rivers brand more widely populated, and occasionally trials new beers. This year will be similar, except it will be some new cocktail varieties from Bridport Distilling Co which will be on the menu. “In the past, we’ve used it as more of just getting our brand out there for Little Rivers, but we’ve just taken on Bridport Distilling Co too so we used last year as getting our brand out for that new company as well. It’s good to get feedback, we don’t do a lot of festivals and events. I think we’ve got a similar menu to last year, maybe just a couple of new cocktails for the Bridport Distilling. Our retail space at Bridport we mainly do cocktails with our gins that we use so it’s good to get feedback with different styles of cocktails, so that’s something we’ll be doing.” A new stallholder to the 2023 Best of Tasmanian Hospitality pavilion – but also no stranger to Agfest – is Anvers Confectionary. The chocolate giant will no doubt prove a hit among the sweet-toothed fans, complimenting the variety of food and beverages on offer. Owner, chocolatier and managing director Igor Van Gerwen missed last year’s event due to the change of date, but will back showcasing his world class pieces. And as usual, Agfest will be the launch of
CHRIS CARINS IS RETURNING TO AGFEST WITH LITTLE RIVERS & BRIDPORT DISTILLING CO
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