The QIFF 2016 ‘Plate Your Nation’ contest was recently announced, as a way to bridge the interests in foodie travelling adventures with social media. International entrants from across the world are encouraged to replicate their nation’s flag entirely out of edible materials.
For those of you, local and international readers, who are intrigued by the concept keep reading on!
Food Flags Concept
Cooks and bakers around the world have been making dishes that represent their country flag for decades, from the typical Berry Pie made to look like the American flag to the simple rice version for Japan. But it wasn’t until the rise of social media that it became a craze, with creatives being inspired to experiment with textures and shapes.
A rather successful advertisement campaign was carried out by an Australian branding agency in 2009 to launch the first ‘Sydney International Food Festival’ – a three day festival showcasing the local food scene with live cooking and food talks. Advertising agency Whybin TBWA successfully produced an advertising campaign featuring dishes representing the flags of twelve different countries.
Here are the images produced for the campagin – can you guess which countries are represented?
The countries represented in the advertising campaign were (in no particualr order!) Australia, Brazil, France, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon, Spain, Switzerland and Vietnam.
Yes, we know that was easy to work out…but how about you work out exactly what ingredients were used for each country’s flag and how they relate to the food culture of that nation. Comment below if you think you know!
QIFF 2016 – Plate Your Nation Contest
If you are an international reader you can enter the ‘Plate Your Nation’ contest to win the opportunity to visit Qatar and experience the Qatar International Food Festival. We feel that the important thing to note is that you can choose whatever food materials you like as long as you represent the flag as accurately as possible. You can be inspired by a popular food or dish eaten in your country or region, but think creatively.
Think outside the box. If you have a tricky flag then how are you going to represent the shapes or colours? Think texture. Although you are constrained by the colours of your flag, be sure to experiement with different textures in order to add some depth and interest to your entry. So you can use both cooked and uncooked items, and anything from vegetables to sweets. Just make sure it is all edible!
Pic Credits: Qatar Airways; Inspiration Room.
The Sydney Flags campaign was developed at Whybin\TBWA, Sydney, by executive creative director Garry Horner, creative director Matt Kemsley, art director Miles Jeffreys, copywriter Tammy Keegan, photographer Natalie Boog, retoucher Nick Mueller and food stylist Trish Heagerty.