Grey County has announced the launch of the Gather Campaign with internationally renowned and decorated local chef and artist, Roger Mooking.
Mooking will be Grey County's first culinary ambassador.
The Gather Campaign is an economic development initiative showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant agricultural community through engaging storytelling and digital content, according to a news release from the county.
The project has been funded in part by the Ontario government through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program.
Chef Roger Mooking, is an award-winning Trinidadian born-Canadian raised chef, musician, artist, and television host. He is best known for hosting the television series “Man Fire Food” and “Everyday Exotic,” and has made numerous appearances on shows such as "Chopped Canada", "Today Show" and "Iron Chef America."
He is also the program and culinary director of Rocklands Market in Berkeley, Ontario, where he shoots "Breaking Bread with Roger Mooking," bringing global celebrities to Grey County, broadcast on Amazon Live.
"Being able to showcase the beauty and bounty of the county is a dream come true," said Mooking in the news release. "I fell in love with Grey County the moment I stumbled upon it. It has the immediate feeling of home, and I want the rest of the world to realize the magic that is in this very special pocket of Ontario."
"I am pleased the RED Program is enabling Grey County to be bold and innovative when it comes to showcasing its culinary heritage, while potentially attracting new business investment in its local agri-food industry,” said Lisa Thompson, minister of rural affairs, also in the news release. “I look forward to Grey County’s celebration of local food, through its ‘Gather Program’, ultimately generating positive local community economic results.”
The Gather Campaign kicked off with a soft launch from Oct. 8 to 11, featuring social media advertisements and local billboards.
The full-feature campaign, consisting of seven engaging videos, will officially launch on February 17, 2025. The videos feature 14 operators across Grey County, including producers, vendors, and food operators, highlighting the region’s local yet diverse food and agriculture, and its leading role in producing alfalfa, hay, sheep, beef, and apples.
This initiative promotes unique and authentic experiences that connect visitors with the local community, offering memorable interactions with the county’s landscapes and culinary gems.
“It is very exciting that Grey County alongside Chef Roger Mooking is launching the Gather Campaign. This will showcase all the great agri-food attributes of the county for us all to enjoy”, said MPP Rick Byers, Bruce Grey Owen Sound, in the news release.
This campaign marks the beginning of a multi-year effort to leverage Grey County’s strengths in agriculture and tourism, aiming to attract visitors and new residents by showcasing the region’s beauty and sustainable lifestyle, while fostering community pride and celebrating the tradition of hard work and entrepreneurship in our region.
The 'Gather In Grey' campaign video teasers can be viewed on Youtube here.
