- Premier culinary tourism festival celebrates Southern Forests food, beverages and natural attractions
- Cook Government support to boost regional tourism and local economies
The Cook Government is supporting the 13th annual Truffle Kerfuffle in Manjimup, as part of its ongoing commitment to encouraging regional tourism and opportunities for local food and beverage businesses.
The three-day festival of food and fun (June 28-30) kicks off tomorrow showcasing local black truffles alongside the fruits and vegetables and nuts of the Southern Forests, as well as dairy and meat products and award-winning wines, beers, spirits and ciders.
Truffle Kerfuffle is a highlight of the regional events calendar, attracting more than 2,500 local, national and international visitors and generating more than $3 million for the local economy.
This 2024 program includes dinners, wine and spirit tastings, cooking master classes with celebrity chefs, truffle dog demonstrations and the chance to participate in a truffle hunt and sniff out your own subterranean delicacy.
Western Australia exports more than 90 per cent of the nation's truffles and is now the world's fourth largest producer, after Spain, France and Italy.
In 2023, 10.6 tonnes of fresh Western Australian truffles were exported to North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia, worth $8.4 million.
The Cook Government supports several programs helping to grow the industry, assisting several truffle enterprises to pursue business, export and market development strategies.
The State has also been involved in an on-ground initiative to map the truffle orchards, as part of an AgriFutures Australianational project to aid industry expansion, and research to improve orchard floor management.
The Western Australian Government also supports the Southern Forests Food Council's work to foster stronger partnerships with wholesalers, retailers, chefs and government to optimise the potential of the region.
The Council promotes the Genuinely Southern Forests brand identifying the region's produce and producers, in partnership with the Western Australian Government's Buy West Eat Best food labelling program.
As stated by Acting Tourism Minister John Carey:
"Truffle Kerfuffle is one of the highlights of Western Australia's gourmet tourism calendar - and I'm excited to see the foodie festival return to Manjimup again this year.
"This wonderful event has gone from strength to strength since it began 13 years ago, bringing a huge number of visitors to our South West to experience the gourmet delicacies of the region, as well as its incredible natural attractions and landscapes."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Truffle Kerfuffle is a wonderful culinary tourism event and I encourage everyone to come to Manjimup and enjoy the region's iconic black truffles, as well as the world-class local food and beverages of the Southern Forests.
"Our Government is delighted to continue its association with Truffle Kerfuffle, which provides a great boost to South West businesses and the regional economy."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Southern Forests region, which spans Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, Bridgetown, Greenbushes and Nannup, is acclaimed for its premium quality food and beverages, as well as its natural attractions and warm, friendly community.
"Truffle Kerfuffle is a marvellous celebration of all the Southern Forests has to offer, giving visitors a great appreciation of the hard work of the people behind our valuable primary industries."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"The Truffle Kerfuffle has become a key event on the South-West calendar and puts a spotlight on our unique and world-class culinary produce.
"I am thrilled to see the Cook Government's continued support for this event which celebrates Australia's best truffles and generates more than $3 million for the local economy."
