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Western Australians are encouraged to get behind the State's food and beverage producers this October by eating, drinking and dining local for Buy West Eat Best month.
Buy West Eat Best provides customers with a trusted labelling program to identify food and beverages that are grown, farmed, fished, processed, prepared and served right here in WA.
A series of local food and beverage events, in-store retail promotions and member-driven marketing campaigns will take place this month to raise awareness of locally grown and sourced produce.
Now in its 17th year, Buy West Eat Best is the nation's longest-running State-of-origin food and beverage labelling program. New independent research commissioned by Buy West Eat Best has revealed program recognition has reached its highest level, with 81 per cent of WA consumers aware of the program and three out of four actively looking for the logo when shopping.
The WA Government supports the Buy West Eat Best program and key initiatives, including the premier trade show Meet the Buyer™, through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
More information is available online at the Buy West Eat Best website.
Source: WA Gov | Image: buywesteatbest.org.au
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) invites eligible applicants to apply for the Enhancing Market Demand Grants Program.
The program is designed to increase information available to the Australian sheep, agriculture, food and fibre industries on market opportunities and/or on stronger business-to-business relationships for interstate and overseas markets for sheep products; and for markets for Australian agri-food in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The grant opportunity is part of this program and will award grants totalling up to $4.4 million over 3 years from 2025-26 to 2027-28 for activities to be completed by 29 February 2028.
The grant opportunity is focused on 2 priorities:
- market opportunities for Australian sheep products within Australia and internationally
- diversification opportunities for Australian agri-food exports to the MENA region.
For more information and to apply visit GrantConnect. Applications are open now and close on 4 November 2025.
Source and image: DAFF
Thailand is a prosperous northern frontier for Australian business and a gateway to India, China and mainland Southeast Asia. The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) gives Australian investors additional benefits and protections, and current annual trade is $19 billion.
To capitalise on Thailand’s growth opportunities, Australian businesses must develop the capabilities to navigate the abundance of suppliers, raw materials, and infrastructure development.
This program helps participants build the knowledge and skills to do business in Thailand. It builds understanding of Thai business styles and how to engage to ensure successful business outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Raise awareness of the key cultural drivers that impact the way business is conducted in Thailand.
- Build understanding of Thai business styles and how to respond.
- Introduce the skills needed to effectively influence business outcomes and strengthen relationships when working in and with Thailand.
Date & Time
- Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 11:00 AM AWST
Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your Thailand business success, register now.
Source and image: Asialink
Margaret River shines as world’s top awarded wine region at International Wine & Spirits Competition
The prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) has confirmed Margaret River’s global reputation, awarding the region nine of this year’s 40 Wine Trophies – more than any other wine region in the world.
Some of the world’s most eminent judges tasted more than 12,000 wines from over 90 countries this year, to announce the 40 Wine Trophy winners across still, sparkling, and fortified categories.
Australia emerged as the most successful country, collecting 25% of the trophies, followed by France with 15% (6 trophies), and Portugal and Spain with 10% each (4 trophies each). Margaret River stood out as the most successful region, securing 22.5% of all trophy winning wines.
Margaret River Wine Association CEO, Amanda Whiteland, said recognition from one of the world’s most prestigious international wine competitions was a fantastic result for the region.
“These results not only reflect the outstanding quality of the recent vintages, but also highlights the region’s long-term trajectory of excellence. Margaret River wines have never been more exciting!”
This follows Western Australia’s strong showing in the IWSC Global Judging held in Margaret River earlier this year, where 39 wines were awarded Gold Medals. These were then shipped to the UK for final Trophy judging on 11 September.
IWSC CEO, Christelle Guibert, said," The exceptional medal results demonstrate how Western Australia continues to deliver world-class wines that resonate with global audiences."
Click here to view the full trophy results.
Source: Margaret River Wine Association | Photo: Deep Woods Estate
Businesses in Western Australia’s food and beverage sector are accessing technical expertise and STEM support through the WA Food Industry Education Collaboration (WAFEC) Program.
The program is delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, in collaboration with the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
It connects tertiary STEM students with businesses operating in food and beverage manufacturing, production, processing and technology through 200-hour paid internships across the state.
Liz Crompton, CSIRO's WAFEC Program Lead, said the program removes barriers for businesses wanting to access STEM expertise and new talent.
"The administrative burden is minimal – we handle recruitment, screening and present businesses with a shortlist of suitable candidates,” Ms Crompton said. "Businesses can focus on getting value from their intern, rather than burdensome paperwork.”
Kim Antonio, DPIRD’s Food Industry Innovation Manager, said that businesses were struggling to attract highly-skilled STEM students into their food and beverage operations, while students were unable to find opportunities in the food industry.
“The program connects this talent with meaningful work experience that helps build the skilled workforce Western Australia needs,” Mr Antonio said.
The program is open to businesses across WA’s food and beverage supply chain, from primary producers to manufacturers and technology suppliers. Applications are open until March 2026 or until all places are filled.
Source and image: CSIRO
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.
Subscribe to Western Australian Agrifood Export eNews.
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.
