SNI prepares Food for Brazil

US cablenet operator Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) is rolling out its first channel brand in Latin America with the launch of Food Network in Brazil.

The culinary lifestyle channel will be available to customers on the Sky Brazil TV platform, offering a mix of local original productions and acquired programming from around the world.

SNI president Jim Samples said the launch represented the firm’s “continued commitment to building scale for our international division and further solidifies our position as the global leader in lifestyle media.”

Shows on the launch slate include two local productions: Menu da Semana, which sees actors Camila Raffanti and Juliana Araripe interview local chefs; and ICKFD – I Could Kill for Dessert, a show about cocktails and sweets hosted by Danielle Noce, who rose to prominence on YouTube.

Other series include culinary competition Chopped, food travel series Diners Drive-Ins & Dives and Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, which follows top restaurants’ efforts to find executive chefs.

Food Network launched in the US 20 years ago and is now distributed in more than 100 million households, as well as to viewers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

SNI recently launched an in-house distribution division and appointed company veteran Hud Woodle to run it.