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5 May 2026
Western Australian
agrifood export eNews
At the first 2026 WA Export Roundtables Breakfast, held last week, 21 WA businesses (including Harvest Road) shared practical ways they’re protecting margins, adapting routes to market and strengthening supply chains.
These roundtable discussions are designed for real-world problem solving: compare approaches, pressure-test your thinking and leave with ideas you can apply immediately—whether that’s re-targeting markets or building a more resilient operating model.
Missed the first session? You can still take a seat at the next roundtable. Our second roundtable breakfast, Market selection without regret, will explore what businesses should be considering when choosing where to export.
Join DPIRD, Collins Rex and International Trade Strategist, for a robust discussion on:
- Why businesses choose the wrong markets?
- What actually makes a market durable?
- The operational fit question
- Market sequencing
When and Where:
- 25 June 2026, 7:30AM – 10:30AM
- Perth Metro – venue TBC
These roundtables are exclusive to WA businesses that operate their own agrifood or beverage brands including producers, manufacturers, and brand owners. Registrations from consultants and non‑brand‑owning businesses will be reviewed by DPIRD and are subject to eligibility assessment. Attendance is not guaranteed and registrations may be cancelled where eligibility requirements are not met.
Register today to secure your spot at the table.
The WA Export Roundtable Breakfast Series forms part of DPIRD's Global Readiness Program. Registration is also open for Roundtable 3 and 4, more program details can be found on the DPIRD website.
Source and image: DPIRD
The Navigating the Australian Liquor Industry Program is fast approaching. Specifically designed for liquor businesses, this program provides the tools and insights needed to scale domestic market presence and drive long-term success.
Delivered through a mix of in-person workshops, one-on-one consultations and industry engagement, the program will give tailored advice to your business.
How will it impact your business?
- Know your audience: Get an in-depth overview of the market and needs of buyers
- Assist with pitching: You will leave the program with a pitch deck tailored for category-specific buyers and the tools to pitch effectively
- Connect with industry: build networks that will help your products be on more shelves
The program starts on Tuesday 19 May in Margaret River with a full-day workshop. Explore the schedule and what is is included.
Places are limited, register today to be involved.
Also want the opportunity for your product to be in front of over 2,000 people？Expressions of Interest closing soon to Join DPIRD at the AHA Hospitality Expo in Perth.
DPIRD is supporting a ‘WA Craft Beer & Spirits Showcase’ at the annual AHA Hospitality Expo over 2 days commencing 30 June in Perth.
At a subsidised cost of $685 + GST, this event will give your business exposure within a dedicated craft beer & spirits precinct.
Open to Western Australian craft beer and spirits producers that haven't exhibited at the AHA Hospitality Expo event in the past 2 years.
Expressions of interest close 8 May 2026. Find out more and complete the EOI.
Source and image: DPIRD
Global supply chains remain under severe strain. The Middle East crisis continues to drive widespread disruption across both ocean and air freight markets. From an Australian exporter’s perspective, the environment has now shifted from short-term disruption to ongoing structural instability, with no clear timeline for normalisation.
Limited vessel movements and partial airspace reopenings suggest some operational activity. However, the reality is that risk levels, costs and transit unpredictability remain elevated across all trade lanes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the critical pressure point. With Hormuz effectively closed, supply chains have shifted towards bypass ports and land bridge solutions. Jeddah has emerged as a critical gateway, supported by land bridge distribution into the Gulf. However, these workarounds are under severe pressure.
Road freight demand is exceeding supply by four to five times. Trucking rates have increased from approximately US$1,000 to US$5,500 per move. There is also a severe shortage of trucks and drivers.
Air freight conditions remain far from normal, with recovery uneven and fragile. While certain Gulf gateways have partially reopened, capacity is significantly reduced compared to pre‑crisis levels. Re-routing around restricted airspace has extended flight times and reduced effective uplift.
Air freight rates have continued to rise, rising roughly 5% to 10% week-on-week throughout April. The situation is now driven mainly by fuel availability rather than just capacity.
In this volatile market, relying on a single routing or a standard port-to-port booking is high-risk. Consider alternative routing, but factor in inland constraints and higher costs.
Source: Austrade | Image: iStock (Fahroni)
Join the Asialink Business Academy Program: Doing Business Briefing: Singapore to build practical skills to grow your business in Singapore.
Singapore is a dynamic, business-focused nation that is consistently ranked as the world’s easiest place to start a business. Its excellent connectivity, world‑class infrastructure, strategic location, and first‑rate labour force provide unrivalled opportunities for Australian businesses.
To operate effectively in this highly competitive market, businesses looking to harness prospects expanded by the Singapore‑Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and a transparent, stable regulatory landscape will need to recognise key nuances that influence success.
This program helps participants learn how to do business in Singapore, engage meaningfully, and maximise business outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
- Awareness of the key cultural drivers influencing business in Singapore
- Understanding of Singaporean business styles and how to respond
- Practical skills to influence outcomes and strengthen professional relationships
Speakers:
- David Wise, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Singapore, Austrade
- Singapore specialist Eric Toh, Founder & Managing Director, ET Potential
- Robin Sands, CEO, Link4
Session details:
- Wednesday 6 May, 2026
- 11:00 - 13:00 AWST
Source and image: Asialink Business
A landmark 28-year analysis of Australian non-alcoholic drink sales has revealed major shifts in what Australians are choosing to drink, with water and low- and no-sugar carbonated drinks now dominating the beverage aisle.
The research, conducted by FOODiQ Global and published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal Nutrients, is the longest-running study of its kind globally. It examined non-alcoholic, water-based beverage sales in Australia, from 1997 to 2024, building on three previously published studies. 2,3,4 The paper also provides additional sales data on kombucha, flavoured milk, juice and fruit drinks from 2015 to 2024.
The study was commissioned by the Australian Beverages Council and released at an industry briefing. Key research findings included:
- Australians are buying fewer sugar sweetened carbonated drinks and more low and no sugar alternatives.
- Water has become a major driver of category growth.
- Sugar levels in water based beverages have declined.
The data showed the rate of decline in sugar sweetened carbonated drink sales increased by 50 per cent between 2015 and 2024 following the introduction of the Sugar Reduction Pledge, the industry’s voluntary initiative.
Other beverage categories showed mixed trends. Juice consumption declined by 15 per cent between 2015 and 2024, with sharper falls in fruit drinks with added sugar compared to 100 per cent juice. Flavoured milk sales increased by 37 per cent, while kombucha recorded growth as a smaller but expanding category.
Source: Australian Beverages Council | Image: iStock (YoungNH)
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), 2026.
