A roadmap through the Goldfields-Esperance region’s food and beverage products, designed to help producers get more from domestic and export market opportunities, is being launched at tomorrow’s Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s celebration evening.
The Goldfields-Esperance Food and Beverage Capability Guide is a new online 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 guide was developed through a collaboration between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission (GEDC) and the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI).
It includes details about individual businesses including their product range, sales information, awards and certifications.
The guide is divided into categories covering beverages, 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.
“The Goldfields-Esperance region is known for its diversity and uniqueness, reflected in its thriving agrifood and beverage sector.
“Broadacre crops and livestock including wheat, barley, canola, pulses, sandalwood,
sheep and cattle products, serve as the region’s most valuable agricultural commodities. The region’s south-east coast has an established wild capture seafood industry, recognised internationally as high-quality with a clean marine environment and strong biosecurity integrity.”
Guides are already available for the Wheatbelt, Mid-West, Great Southern and the Kimberley regions with the Peel region 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 Goldfields-Esperance, 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
