About Food Matters

Food Matters is the name given to Mary's Consumer Food Marketing consultancy.

"he whaka hira hira nga kai katoa" describes the business; roughly translated this means - "food is important and anything to do with food". Experienced in retail food marketing, product development and supply chain management, Mary consults to a number of clients on an ongoing and project basis. As Mary is passionate about food and guarantees a food experience every day on her tours it was appropriate that her Tours became Food Matters Tours.

About Food Matters Tours

Food Matters Tours were established in 1999 by Mary Taylor.

Mary wanted to introduce others to the real Bali, the Bali beneath the surface. After more than 30 visits Mary has established relationships with 'locals' who share their food and lifestyles.

Originally visiting Sri Lanka in 1991 to buy tea, Mary was amazed by the taste of 'fresh'; the tropical fruit, vegetables and spices, as well as tea and wanted others to share this taste. Sri Lanka has a history of invade, raid, and trade which has left a thumbprint on the food; it would be difficult to find a country where one can more literally taste history.

After a brief visit to Egypt in the ‘70s Mary knew she was destined to return. After two test runs in 2010 Mary has now put together a programme that includes all the ‘must sees’ plus much more. Taste the difference between Nubian food eaten in a small Nubian village and the BBQ of a Bedouin tribe shared in the White desert. Tours are timed for the date harvest – until you have eaten a juicy fresh date straight from the palm you have not eaten dates!

Spanish tapas are best eaten in Spain. After several visits, including walking the Pilgrim’s trail from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela, Mary is investigating an exploratory tour of Southern Spain

All tours are designed to include a food experience every day. This experience varies, dependent on the group demographics and desires -'Taylor-made!'

Having travelled for many years, in groups and independently, Mary wanted to design a tour that she would want to go on - cultural, local, small numbers, and unique.

And looking ahead for another destination- Spain perhaps!

Check Bali Tours 2011, 2012

Check Sri Lanka Tour 2012

2012 Egypt Tours on hold

Check Spain Exploratory Tour 2012

About Supporting Hand Projects

Mary recognises that both Bali and Sri Lanka, whilst spiritually rich, are financially poor. Projects are on-going in both countries to support and empower various communities. This support enables the Food Matters Tour Groups to get 'beneath the surface' and meet with the locals. The freshly caught fish at Welipatanvila is ' simply the best', the vegetables near Nuwara Eliya have hopefully survived marauding pigs and the children in Amed or Munduk will delight in reading to you. A Nubian Village school in Egypt is being supported. Mary is firmly of the opinion that we get so much more back than we ever give.

Egypt -
September 2012 - On hold and sold out
October Tour- last 2 weeks of October- currently on hold

A two week ‘full-on ‘ programme including Alexandria and Al Alamein, Cairo, a night with a Bedouin tribe in The White Desert, a 3 night Nile cruise, a visit to a Nubian village, and a quick trip to Abu Simbel

Working with an established Spanish operator this tour of Southern Spain will get us behind the scene of artisan food producers whilst allowing time to enjoy the ‘must do’s, eat fine food and relax in character accommodation.

A land cost of $NZ7,995 on a twin share basis includes two meals a day, a local guide and translator, all transfers, local activities and character accommodation. Flight costs will be the best price at time of booking.