So declares Hawke’s Bay Tourism and Cuisine Magazine, announcing Kim as the second ever F.A.W.C! Hawke’s Bay Legend.
The award recognises Kim’s pioneering vision to elevate the food, wine and visitor experience in Hawke’s Bay as well as his dedication to establishing Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as New Zealand’s premier food and wine destination.
As the maestro behind the extensive Black Barn brand, Kim changed the tourism industry in Hawke’s Bay with the full suite of food, wine and accommodation offerings under one brand. As one of the country’s legendary advertising creative directors, Kim was also instrumental in designing both the original Wine Country brand alongside Sir Graeme Avery (F.A.W.C!’s first Legend), and its contemporary evolution as the Food and Wine Country brand positioning in 2021.
Hawke’s Bay Tourism established the Legend award in 2021 as a means to honour those visionaries who helped shape Food and Wine Country into the amazing playground for foodies that it is today.
Finalists were those who could demonstrate a minimum of 10 years’ commitment to food and/or beverage industries in Hawke’s Bay; had contributed to the creation and shaping of the culinary landscape in Hawke’s Bay; had consistently lent their weight and support to Hawke’s Bay as a food and wine destination; and had contributed to or enhanced the visitor experience in Hawke’s Bay.
Kim certainly ticks each of those boxes!
Moreover, those involved in various Hawke’s Bay causes and charities over the years would be well aware of Kim’s quiet and steadfast generosity with his strategic marketing and creative talents.
To Kim, a brand is “a promise kept”. How devoted is he to Hawke’s Bay’s food and wine brand? He’s addressed the issue numerous times in BayBuzz (just search: Kim Thorp). During the height of the pandemic, we asked a number of HB leaders what we could learn from that experience going forward.
Kim responded:
“What’s the one fundamental thing above all others that could help us prosper if we embraced it or devastate us if we destroyed it?
“I would suggest it is our ability to grow and produce food … What if we were genuinely and famously one of the world’s most authentic and exciting growers, sellers, preparers, cooks, educators and orators of world class food and wine?
“If we started with the bedrock of our reset being our ability to grow, export, prepare and present high quality, world respected, sustainable food, it would not only keep us real and faithful to our past, it would help guide and clarify some very big decisions for our future.”
Kim faced tough competitors for his Legend recognition. Other finalists: John Bostock; winemakers John Buck, Jenny Dobson, Kate Galloway, Rod McDonald & Jo Throp, Kate Radburnd and Tim Turvey; Valley D’Vine’s Greg Miller; and foodies Alexandra Tylee and Claire Vogtherr.
Of them, Kim said on the night:
“While this is in essence some sort of competition, the finalists in the room don’t see ourselves as competitors. We are just getting on and doing the best we can — for our own businesses and for the betterment of our region.
“Two other Legends in the room I’d like to acknowledge. One is HB Tourism who I believe are doing an outstanding job and Kelli Brett of Cuisine Magazine, transitioning her magazine to be not just about food on a plate but about the whole backstory of New Zealand producers, growers, chefs and cuisine.”
Well done Kim!
Photo: Florence Charvin
Congratulations, Kim. As Canadians we were drawn to Hawkes Bay 18 years ago for its potential as a wine area with great potential. Since building our house on the Tuli Tuki, we have been so impressed with the development of the area and you, Kim, have been the back bone of this development. We’re proud to know you
A very deserving winner. Congratulations Kim, on this prestigious award, along with all the finalists. We continue to be grateful to both Sir Graeme and Kim for their vision and branding of Hawke’s Bay as a premium visitor destination. It has afforded the rest of us in this industry the credibility and confidence to keep doing what we do along with the support of HB Tourism through thick and thin!
An inspiring read. An inspiring award created by the legends at Hawkes Bay Tourism. An inspiring line up of nominees. An inspiring recipient. Makes me so grateful to live in Hawkes Bay. What a landscape filled with legends.