Richard Till to front new the 'Smart Shopper' TV segments
Monday 8 June 2009, 4:50PM
By Ogilvy New Zealand
10444 views
Kiwi culinary guru Richard Till is on a mission to bring inspiration back to New Zealand kitchens.
The star cook behind popular TV cooking show Kiwi Kitchen and Sounds Delicious on National Radio’s Nine to Noon programme, is set to front a new series of 60-second TV segments called “Smart Shopper” for Progressive Enterprises’ Countdown, Woolworths and Foodtown supermarkets.
\Till says the segments are intended to help Kiwis shop smarter and become more adventurous in their home cooking, while still keeping within a budget – something that is hugely important nowadays..
“I love cooking, but I also love the experience of shopping for the things I need for cooking,” says Till; “It’s like embarking on a mystical quest for the lost ingredients of some ancient delicacy, where every aisle holds enticing potential for the discovery of invigorating flavours.”
“Mostly though, it’s just bloody good fun!”
Till says New Zealanders tend to be conservative in their cooking, so he’s enthusiastic about helping people see the possibilities that Progressive’s supermarket shelves hold for creating exciting and cost-effective recipes that families will love.
“There’s never been more choices available in New Zealand supermarkets, so there’s really no excuse for not challenging yourself to make something like a zesty Thai squid salad instead of plain meat and three veg, for example, if you’ve been shown where to start.”
Till says the Smart Shopper series will aim to shed an entertaining light on the history and versatility of various food and non-food products, so that shoppers can become smarter in their buying choices, and enjoy the experience at the same time.
“My aim is to awaken the passion in every New Zealand home chef, encourage them to try new things and, of course, give plenty hints to get them started,” says Till.
Adds Elizabeth Higgs, Progressive’s General Manager Marketing, “We’re always looking for ways to add value – to give our customers ideas, choice and a bit of fun. Richard is just perfect for Smart Shopper because he truly is one!”
The first of Richard Till’s Smart Shopper segments goes to air on June 9 at 5:50 pm. Segments will screen on TV One every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5.50pm as well as at various other times throughout the day.