MODEL CHEF VICTORIA WILLIAMS KONO MUSSEL AMBASSADOR

Two Blenheim identities have joined forces to highlight the best of locally grown kai moana to the rest of the country, and the world – KONO New Zealand Greenshell Mussels and celebrity chef, and model, Victoria Williams.

Victoria, who was placed fifth in the popular New Zealand’s Next Top Model (NZNTM) show this year, is now the ambassador of KONO and has already created a range of inspiring recipes using KONO mussels.

KONO mussels are created for seafood lovers, with its gastronomic range of indigenous flavoured half-shell and marinated mussels.

The now Auckland-based Victoria will actively endorse KONO’s range, including creating her own recipes, featuring in editorial and advertising, and showcasing the products to the public at events such as this month’s Auckland Food Show, and the upcoming Marlborough Wine and Food Festival.

KONO Marketing Manager John Grant says Victoria’s endorsement underscores KONO’s commitment to fresh, quality, gourmet produce that can be enjoyed at home by all New Zealanders.

“Victoria is the perfect choice for KONO. As a local person, she understands the dedication KONO has in providing the finest mussels from Marlborough’s pristine waters, as well as how to best prepare and serve them, with the home chef in mind.”

“We look forward to her continual involvement in KONO, including food shows throughout NZ, guest judge and convenor for restaurant and consumer mussel recipe competitions, guest columnist on KONO.co.nz regarding food trends, and advisor on product development for retail and food service targeted products.”

Says Victoria: “I have been lucky enough to have been brought up in the Marlborough Sounds surrounded with lovely fresh, local seafood. And because they come with indigenous flavours like kawakawa and horopito I’ve been buying and eating KONO mussels since they first appeared on the market two years ago.

“Now I’ve landed my dream job of being KONO’s ambassador so I can actively show my support of local produce, and share these gourmet mussels with the rest of New Zealand.

“I love to cook with seafood and have been inspired to create a range of dishes using KONO half-shell mussels – including Seafood Paella and Beach House Mussel Chowder - that I know will appeal to other kiwis who appreciate great food.“

She says she looks forward to introducing people to KONO Mussels, a brand that is proudly NZ, and showing them that the finest tasting food can be inexpensive, quick to prepare, and very healthy.

STORY ANGLES / IDEAS

The Best of Blenheim – KONO Mussels use indigenous flavours to add a gourmet touch to Marlborough’s finest seafood. These are now complemented by fellow Blenheimite, Victoria Williams, a rising star in both the food industry and modeling world, who has become the ‘face’ of KONO.

A Model Chef – Victoria Williams has a foothold in two professions – model and NZNTM place-getter, as well as a professional chef. How does she juggle both, how do they complement each other, what’s the next step for her in terms of each career?

Kiwiana Brand Ambassador - The rise of a celebrity chef, and the Kiwi food brand she represents. Showing by example that simple, healthy, gourmet seafood meals can be easily created at home for every day or special occasions.

To secure your interview with Victoria, or for more information please contact:

Sigrun Steinhagen
Marketing Project Coordinator
KONO Mussels (Aotearoa Seafoods Ltd)
Phone: 03 578 2069
Mobile: 0274 355 627
Email: SigrunS@asf.co.nz