Consumers

Great Tastes of Manitoba

After 35 years on the air, Great Tastes is changing the channel — and pressing play on a new digital chapter. Beginning September 5, 2025 Manitoba’s most watched, locally produced broadcast television series will launch an all new YouTube series.

According to series producer Donalee Jones, the revival of Great Tastes is in response to public demand. “We have surveyed Manitobans and this is what they are asking for,” Jones explains. The series producer believes it has potential to resonate with both nostalgic viewers and a new audience. She emphasized a generational gap in awareness, stating, “Many younger Manitobans who expressed interest in watching Great Tastes were unaware it exists.”

“We understand this is a big change for our loyal  audience,” Jones adds. “However, YouTube viewing has become considerably more accessible in the last five years. It’s no longer solely about short-form videos; streaming long-form content on YouTube and other platforms is now widespread, thanks to the popularity of Smart TVs.”

This shift presents an opportunity to inspire more Manitobans to cook with local ingredients and connect with Manitoba’s farmers and ranchers.

The digital format also offers greater flexibility for both producers and viewers. No longer tied to a Saturday night time slot, audiences can watch Great Tastes any day of the week, with new videos released every Friday. With content now produced year-round, producers can respond to trends more quickly and deliver timely, engaging stories all year long.

The YouTube series will also introduce a dynamic cast of local hosts — a mix of professional chefs and passionate home cooks — who will share their favourite recipes, cooking tips, and plenty of personality. From taste test challenges to candid behind-the-scenes moments, this new format invites viewers into a more relaxed, interactive kitchen experience.

The new cast includes:

• Chef Gordon Bailey – Renowned restaurateur and respected culinary instructor
• Chef Anna Hymers – Red Seal chef and research technician at RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (& MBP food expert)
• Chef George Hudson – Sous chef at Oxbow Natural Wine Bar and Restaurant
• Laura Cook – Home cook and food blogger from rural Manitoba

Together, they bring a wide range of expertise and perspectives — all rooted in a shared passion for local ingredients and Manitoba’s unique food culture. The hosts are also all excited about the opportunity to visit Manitoba farms and agricultural communities and share those experiences with the Great Tastes audience.

The series is produced by Frank Digital with funding provided by the Government of Canada and Manitoba Agriculture through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It’s the only collaboration of its kind in Canada and brings together Manitoba’s farmers and ranchers through their non-profit industry associations: Manitoba Beef Producers, Hello Canola, Manitoba Chicken, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Manitoba Pork, Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers, Manitoba Turkey Producers.

Great Tastes will be releasing new content on their YouTube channel, @GreatTastesTV,  every Friday, starting September 5th. Follow @GreatTastesMB on Facebook and Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, recipes, farm facts and much more. content at www.greattastesmb.ca.

Fans who would prefer to watch the series on broadcast can find Great Tastes on The Rural Channel, RogersTV and WCGTV. All three broadcasters will be sharing old and new episodes of the series multiple times per week.