The South West’s unique craft beer and spirits producers had a chance to connect with local, interstate and international buyers at the Inaugural WA Craft Beer and Spirits Innovation Trade Showcase held in Perth on April 1.
The landmark event formed part of an international trade mission to Perth, Swan Valley and the South West.
Delegates from Singapore, China and Thailand joined 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.
Both the trade mission and showcase provided an opportunity for local brewers and distillers to put their product in front of a network of buyers and expand their market reach.
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.
