New online guide, the Great Southern Food and Beverage Capability Guide, has been released by the Western Australian government to connect food and beverage businesses, buyers and consumers across the state.
The Great Southern Food and Beverage Capability Guide is an interactive tool created to connect food and beverage suppliers with retailers, buyers, wholesalers, chefs, caterers, tourism operators, regional events and consumers with the intent to promote local business.
It was developed through a collaboration between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Denmark Chamber of Commerce. The guide includes details about individual businesses including their product range, sales information, awards and certifications.
“The Great Southern is rich in food and beverage produce and experiences, with almost 300 producers and processors spread across the region,” Agriculture and Food minister Alannah MacTiernan said.
“The food and beverage guide is a fantastic tool for local businesses and consumers to explore the array of fresh and value-added produce in their own backyard and to find out how they can source it.”
The guide is divided into categories covering beverages, bakery and grain, bush foods, chocolate and confectionery, dairy, horticulture and seafood and aquaculture, making it user-friendly.
The Great Southern Food and Beverage Capability Guide showcases fresh and freeze-dried strawberries, truffles, local seafood including sardines, abalone and marron, as well as Wagyu beef, chicken, duck, cheese and an array of wines.
“Buying high-quality produce that remains fresher for longer at a more affordable price not only benefits the business but helps to build connections within communities, as well as boost regional economies,” MacTiernan said.
“Food Tourism is becoming increasingly popular in attracting more visitors to our regions. The Great Southern guide lists a number of local farmers markets and gourmet events and also tells the provenance story of each business.”
A guide is already available for the Mid-West and the department is working with partners in the Kimberley, Peel, Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance and the Gascoyne to produce similar publications. This ensures the guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the great food and beverages Western Australia has to offer.
For copies of the Great Southern and Mid-West Food guides, visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/capability-guides.