NEW YORK, N.Y., June 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Food.com, Home of the Home Cook, is hosting a "French Cocktail Hour" photo contest for consumers! Participants will be able to submit photographs of their perfect French inspired cocktail hour at www.food.com/frenchcocktailhour and ask their friends to vote for them!
To infuse their celebrations with the French enjoyment for life, participants are encouraged to add delicious authenticity by using products from event co-sponsors: affordable Bordeaux wine (www.bordeaux.com), wonderful olive oil, olives and tapenade from Provencal brand O &CO (www.oliviersandco.com) and delicate double cream soft cheese Fromager d'Affinois (www.fromagerdaffinoisusa.com).
With the purpose of making this celebration worldwide, Sopexa, on behalf of the French Ministry of Food and Agriculture, created French Cocktail Hour or L'Apéritif a la Francaise 9 years ago. The event is designed to showcase the very special French tradition of enjoying life with good wine, food and friends before lunch or dinner.
"By going 100% digital we wanted to spread the message to as many people as possible that it is simple and fun to have your own French Cocktail Hour" says Pauline Oudin, Sopexa USA Managing Director.
The Grand Prize is a trip for two to NYC to attend a special culinary event at the Food Network Kitchens. This prize will be awarded twice and includes airfare, hotel and transfers. Secondary prizes include a year supply of O &CO. Grand Cru olive oils, 5 ½ quart French ovens from Le Creuset, a Cocktail Hour gift basket from Epicerie Boulud and "Cocktails and Amuse-Bouches for Her and Him", cook books from international chef Daniel Boulud. The winners will be announced on Food.com on July 31st.
Additional photos: http://extranet.sopexa.com/easyshare/fwd/link=sUObK11I1ACIlFPk6cChMD
Log on: www.food.com/frenchcocktailhour
Contest closes: July 16th
Winners announced: July 31st
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About The French Ministry of Agriculture
The French Ministry of Agriculture is committed to raising the profile of French agrifood products in the U.S. through trade support and participation in prominent food and wine events, including but not limited to Miami Wine Fair and Fancy Food Show. The French Ministry of Agriculture also supports the annual French Cocktail Hour Day, Apéritif a la Francaise, an educational and festive celebration of the French ritual of l'Apéritif, celebrated annually and worldwide on the first Thursday in June.
More info on http://www.aperitifalafrancaise.com/en
Sopexa USA is an integrated marketing services and communications agency that specializes in the promotion of French and European wines, spirits and food industries. The agencies expertise lies in designing and implementing innovative and strategically-focused programs across all marketing disciplines including account management, public relations, special events and sales promotion. Sopexa USA is a member of The Sopexa Group, with 35 offices in 29 countries. Its roster of clients includes French and European trade associations as well as private companies and importers. www.sopexa.com
Photos accompanying this release are available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13169
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13170
