- Inaugural WA Craft Beer and Spirits Innovation Trade Showcase kicks off in Perth
- Event to connect 38 local brewers and distillers with national and international buyers
- Showcase forms part of an international trade mission to Perth, Swan Valley and South West
Western Australia's unique craft beer and spirits sectors will be showcased to local, interstate and international buyers at a landmark trade event in Perth today.
The inaugural WA Craft Beer and Spirits Innovation Trade Showcase will feature 38 local producers and highlight the variety of innovative and high-quality products across the State's beer and spirits industry.
The event is part of a wider inbound international buyer's mission visiting WA this week.
Delegates from Singapore, China and Thailand will join local and interstate buyers for visits to breweries and distilleries across Perth, the Swan Valley and the South West.
Singapore is a leading market for WA's alcoholic beverage sector, accounting for 41 per cent of the State's beer exports.
China and Thailand represent emerging markets, with both countries boasting significant tourism and fine dining sectors with a growing demand for craft beer and spirits.
The trade mission and showcase was developed by Austrade's WA TradeStart network in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South West Development Commission, Great Southern Development Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, and beer and spirits industry groups.
The trade opportunities align with the recently released Western Australian Craft Beer Strategy, which aims to sustainably grow WA's craft beer sector, create jobs and promote the industry's 'paddock to pint' tourism experience.
An industry-led Western Australian Craft Spirits Strategy is currently under development.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Western Australia has a unique and diverse craft brewing and distilling sector, which is carving out a strong place in the domestic and international beverage market.
"The trade mission and showcase provide a prime opportunity for local brewers and distillers to introduce their product to a network of buyers and expand their market reach.
"The showcase event will put local producers and their products in front of more than 40 domestic and international buyers, from across retail, food service, bars, hotels and catering sectors."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Many of the State's craft brewers and distillers are based in regional areas and are family-run businesses.
"The trade mission includes visits to the South West, allowing international visitors to sample the array of beverages on offer and take advantage of regional WA's unparallelled 'paddock to pint' experience.
"We are delighted to welcome the international and interstate visitors to Western Australia so we can showcase our amazing high-quality products."
