Ukraine’s 1+1 cooks up local version of The Taste

Ukrainian broadcaster 1+1 is to produce a local version of Nigella Lawson and Anthony Bourdain’s food format The Taste after striking a deal with Red Arrow International.

This comes after the Ukrainian network produced successful versions of international cooking formats Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares.

It is also the latest international version of The Taste to be optioned following deals in France with M6, in Australia with Nine Network and in India with Fox International Channels.

The series, which will air on ABC in the US, sees Lawson and Bourdain head a panel of judges to pit America’s most skilled home cooks against each other.

David Brook, Marketing and Development Director of 1+1 Media, said: “Ukraine is one of the fastest growing TV markets with a strong appetite for original formats. Since its foundation until today 1+1 has been a channel innovator that constantly introduces the most winning international formats. After the successful adaptation of Hell´s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares, 1+1 channel decided to develop this sector further. I have no doubt that The Taste will be a sensation in Ukraine.”

Shakira Hoffmann, regional sales manager, Ukraine Red Arrow International, added: “The Taste is one of the hottest shows at the moment. Focusing on the taste of food only as a key element in a competition intrigues buyers around the globe. I am thrilled to partner with 1+1 to bring the show to Ukraine.”