WA businesses on show at world's biggest Food Expo in Paris

Western Australian produce and beverages are on show in Paris this week at Europe's premier food expo to capture opportunities from two new trade agreements.

Ten WA businesses, spanning wine, spirits, seafood, meat, condiments and honey, will feature in the Austrade stand at Salon International de I'Agroalimentaire, the world's largest food exhibition.

Known as SIAL 2022, the event attracts more than 310,000 producers, importers, buyers and retailers from over 200 countries.

Europe is WA's fourth largest agrifood export destination, worth $2.05 billion in 2021-22, which is expected to grow from the anticipated Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement.

The McGowan Government is supporting the WA exhibitors to identify buyers and facilitate introductions that pave the way to increase exports.

After the event, a delegation of WA companies will participate in a market familiarisation and engagement program arranged by the State Government and Austrade to capitalise on the impending Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement.

The State Government's London office and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have collaborated with Austrade UK and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA to organise a series of market research and business matching activities.

WA food and beverage exports to the UK increased by 17.8 per cent in 2021-22, worth a total of $28 million, driven largely by sheep meat and wine sales.

The initiatives form part of the State Government's $195 million Reconnect WA package, assisting local businesses to rebuild and diversify international business relationships and supply chains impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"The McGowan Government is supporting WA food and beverage businesses to be in a strong position to pursue new markets and opportunities from the future EU and UK trade agreements.

"WA is well placed to satisfy these highly discerning markets, backed by our enviable biosecurity system and sustainable production practices.

"We are working hard on the global food stage to establish WA agriculture, food, seafood and beverage businesses as preferred suppliers of premium quality products, generating flow on benefits to regional communities and the State economy."

As stated by Fisheries and Small Business Minister Don Punch:

"WA seafood is the envy of the world, supported by Marine Stewardship Council certification for 11 WA fisheries, satisfying market demand for sustainably produced food.

"The WA seafood industry continues to adapt to the changing international marketplace, which has been redefined by COVID-19 and other trade disruptions, forging pathways to new opportunities and customers."

WA Austrade SIAL 2022 display & UK market engagement program participants