The McGowan Government is connecting food and beverage businesses, buyers and consumers across the Great Southern with the release of a new online guide for the region.
The Great Southern 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.
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.
It is divided into categories covering beverages, bakery and grain, bush foods, chocolate and confectionery, dairy, horticulture and seafood and aquaculture, making it easy for the user to find what they are looking for.
The Great Southern 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.
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, providing a comprehensive overview of the great food and beverages the State has on offer.
For copies of the Great Southern and Mid-West Food guides visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/capability-guides
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The Great Southern is rich in food and beverage produce and experiences, with almost 300 producers and processors spread across the region.
"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.
"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.
"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."
