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26 August 2025
Western Australian
agrifood export eNews
The Western Australian Government is backing WA's rapidly growing distilling industry with the launch of a new roadmap to elevate the State's unique premium spirits on the global stage.
The WA Distilling Industry Strategy 2025-2030 was unveiled to industry at the Perth Royal Distilled Spirits Awards last week with a focus on boosting brand recognition and tripling sales over the next five years.
The strategy is the first of its kind for WA and was developed with extensive industry consultation, led by the Australian Distillers Association and WA Distillers Guild, with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
Its recommendations centre on four priority areas - to advocate through collaboration and supportive policy, to advance through industry development, to promote WA spirits on the national and international stage, and to access domestic and export markets.
Distillery businesses are strong contributors to the Western Australia's hospitality and tourism industries, providing job opportunities and strengthening the State's economy.
A working group will now develop an implementation plan to achieve early wins and long-term progress towards a strong and sustainable distilling industry.
The WA Distilling Industry Strategy 2025-2030 can be viewed at the webpage here.
Source and image: WA.Gov & DPIRD
Western Australian food and beverage businesses are encouraged to attend DPIRD’s upcoming trade workshops, providing valuable insight on navigating export markets and how to perfect the sales pitch for domestic and international markets.
Whether new to exporting or looking to scale up international operations, the day one workshop Beyond Borders: Export Focus will provide actionable insights and expert guidance. The day two workshop Pitch Perfect: Domestic and International Markets will deliver the tools to speak the buyers' language and pitch with confidence. Participants are welcome to register for both workshops or can attend just one of the days. Find out more about each workshop below.
- Day 1: Beyond Borders: Export Focus workshop
Wednesday 24th September | 9am - 4pm | The Hub, Bentley
- Day 2: Pitch Perfect: Domestic & International Markets workshop
- Thursday 25th September | 9am - 1pm | The Hub, Bentley
Participants will receive workshop slides with sections for notes, additional resources and handbooks/worksheets in hard copy and digital formats.
Register now for individual workshops or for the entire package. Use code EARLYBIRD20 for a discounted ticket price.
Source: DPIRD | Image: iStock (M.photostock)
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released livestock slaughter and production data for the June quarter, closing FY2024–25. Numbers highlight a new record for national beef production, while lamb and mutton throughput continued their historic highs – all proving overall red meat supply strength.
In the 2024-25 financial year, beef production reached its highest level on record, lamb slaughter remained near peak levels, and mutton throughput was the highest since 2006-07.
Australia processed 8.88 million head of cattle in FY2024-25, with beef production reaching a record 2.75 million tonnes, surpassing the previous high set in 2014-15.
Lamb slaughter for the year totalled 26.06 million head. New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania all reported quarterly gains, with Tasmania recording an 18 per cent rise to its highest level since June 2016.
Sheep processing in FY2024-25 reached 11.7 million head, with mutton production increasing 12 per cent year-on-year to 294,757 tonnes. New South Wales and Victoria contributed 73 per cent of national output.
Source: MLA & Food and Beverage Industry News | Photo: iStock (SDI Productions)
Backed by two decades of economic progress and strong future growth forecasts, the Philippines has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most resilient economies.
A large working age population and expanding middle class are driving commercial activity, sectoral reforms are improving the business environment, and regional competition for inbound foreign investment is prompting attractive incentives for businesses looking to enter one of Asia’s fastest growing markets.
This course provides an opportunity for participants to acquire knowledge of how to do business, build capability to engage meaningfully and maximise business outcomes with stakeholders in the Philippines.
- Date: 3 September, 11:00 AM AWST
- Format: Group; online; facilitator-led
- Enquiries: (0)3 8344 4800, academy@asialinkbusiness.com.au
Course takeaways
- Raise awareness of the key cultural drivers that impact the way business is conducted in the Philippines.
- Build understanding of Filipino business styles and how to respond.
- Introduce the skills needed to effectively influence business outcomes and strengthen relationships when working in and with the Philippines.
More course details and registration link can be found on the Asialink website.
Source and image: Asialink
Ten emerging scientists will embark on research projects to drive innovation across Western Australia's agriculture and food sector.
The successful recipients have been announced under the second round of the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) Postgraduate Research Scholarship Program.
The program is among a suite of research and development initiatives being delivered by WAARC, backed by a $25 million investment by the WA Government.
Scholarship recipients will pursue research projects in crop genetics, livestock production, weed management, agtech, biosecurity, climate resilience and natural capital.
The program will be delivered in partnership with WAARC's three university members - Curtin, Murdoch and The University of Western Australia - with student researchers to gain valuable firsthand experience across the industry.
Recipients will be mentored by leading scientists from CSIRO, Grower Group Alliance and DPIRD.
For the full list of scholarship recipients, visit WAARC website.
Source and photo: WA.gov & WAARC
Further information
Agribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2025.
