- 'Taste of the South West' Food and Beverage Capability Guide launched today
- Guide to promote opportunities for 114 South West businesses
- Cook Government supporting regional communities and economies
The Cook Government is helping to grow Western Australia's value-added food and beverage sector, with the launch of a new South West Food and Beverage Capability Guide today.
Regional Development and Fisheries Minister Don Punch launched the guide at the 2024 Innovative Industries of the Future (IIF) Conference in Bunbury.
The popular publication is the latest edition in a suite of nine regional guides connecting local suppliers with retailers, buyers, wholesalers, chefs, caterers, tourism operators, regional events and consumers.
A total of 114 South West food and beverage businesses are featured, ranging from larger meat, wine and seafood operators through to boutique artisan bakeries, chocolatiers and coffee roasters.
The guide celebrates each business, including its provenance story, product details and sales information. Available for free online, it also features a calendar of agrifood tourism events to attract visitors to the region.
The 'Taste of the South West' guide is the biggest produced so far, complementing editions for the Mid West, Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance, Great Southern, Kimberley, Peel, Wheatbelt and Central Coast sub region.
It was produced by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, with support from a number of local South West organisations.
The initiative supports the Cook Government's efforts to drive local, national and export market opportunities for WA's premium and value-added food and beverage products.
The Regional Food and Beverage Capability Guides can be accessed online at www.agric.wa.gov.au/capability-guides
As stated by Regional Development and Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"WA's food and beverage manufacturing sector is an important contributor to the State economy and the community, employing about 20,000 people across the State.
"This latest guide is a wonderful celebration of what the South West has to offer - from the pristine waters off the coast, to the rich soils of the Southern Forests and the region's wine trail - all with a focus on sustainable production of high quality products.
"I encourage food and beverage businesses - near and far - to explore this comprehensive resource and discover how South West suppliers can benefit their operation."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The 'Taste of the South West' Food and Beverage Capability Guide highlights the diverse range of fresh and value-add produce unique to this beautiful part of our State.
"Feedback from previous editions has shown these guides are raising awareness of regional producers, processors and retailers - helping them to establish new partnerships, collaborations, and supply chain opportunities.
"Along with our well-known Buy West Eat Best 'buy local' program and ongoing trade initiatives, the Cook Labor Government is bolstering our State's diverse agrifood and beverage sector."
