A roadmap through the Wheatbelt region’s food and beverage products, designed to help producers get more from domestic and export market opportunities, has been launched today.
The Wheatbelt Food and Beverage Capability Guide is a new interactive tool to connect food and beverage suppliers with retailers, buyers, wholesalers, chefs, caterers, tourism operators, regional events and consumers to promote local business.
The online guide was developed through a collaboration between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC), the Northern Growth Alliance comprising the Shires of Chittering, Dandaragan and Gingin, and the Wheatbelt Business Network (WBN).
It includes details about individual businesses including their product range, sales information, awards and certifications.
The guide is divided into categories covering beverages, dairy, eggs, honey, grains and bakery, fresh and value-added horticulture, meat as well as seafood and aquaculture, making it easy for users to find what they are looking for.
DPIRD development officer Nikki Poulish said the food and beverage guide was 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 could source it.
"Buying high-quality produce that remains fresher for longer, benefits the business by helping to build connections within communities, as well as boost regional economies,” Mrs Poulish said.
“Fulfilling its role as the State’s northern food bowl, the Wheatbelt is a significant producer of diverse fruits and vegetables, with oranges, lemons, lettuce, blueberries and cauliflower among its top commodities.
“Wheatbelt businesses continue to be exemplars of innovation and value-add
markets, creating niche products and establishing boutique industries across
the region.
“From the development of a low gluten oats supply chain and the production of healthy chocolate, to utilising sustainable, locally grown barley for heritage malt production and expanding the niche WA craft brewing industries.”
Guides are already available for the Mid-West, Great Southern and the Kimberley regions with Peel and Goldfields-Esperance regions launching shortly. The department is also working with partners in the Gascoyne and South West to produce similar publications.
The complete set of guides will provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse range of food and beverage products manufactured in regional Western Australia.
For copies of the Wheatbelt, Kimberley, Great Southern and Mid-West Food guides visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/capability-guides
NOTE: Photos available on request
Media contact:
Megan Broad/Donna Coleman, media liaison, +61 (0)8 9368 3937
