Western Australian food and beverage manufacturing businesses are encouraged to register their interest in a study tour to Victoria in September, with a focus on innovation.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Food Industry Innovation manager Kim Antonio said the week-long tour, from 2 to 6 September 2019, would provide business leaders with an opportunity to build key relationships and knowledge of the Australian food and beverage supply chain.
“This comes at an opportune time with food and beverage innovation being highlighted nationally,” Mr Antonio said.
“The itinerary includes attendance at the inaugural Global Table conference where industry leaders will be connecting, collaborating and working to transform the food system through innovation, investment and trade,” Mr Antonio said.
“Participants will also be touring food and beverage production facilities in Melbourne and regional Victoria and will participate in presentations from food and beverage industry experts.”
The department will be subsiding more than half of the cost of the tour for successful applicants, who will be merit selected following a competitive application and screening process.
Food and beverage businesses are encouraged to express their interest via the department’s website prior to the closing date of 5 July 2019.
The opportunity follows a successful intra-state study tour coordinated by the team last year, where participants expressed that the networking, connection, learning and engagement they experienced was invaluable.
It is part of broader work by the department to support WA businesses working in the value-added premium food and beverage sector to better capture market opportunities and enhance business viability and growth opportunities.
Mr Antonio said a report released recently by the Regional Australia Institute titled ‘Regional Growth Prospects’ identified food processing as a key sector for employment growth in regional Australia and was an opportunity for greater diversification of the WA economy.
The department will also be supporting investment-ready food and beverage businesses to attend the Global Table conference, and expressions of interest for these businesses will be called for in mid-July.
Media contacts: Katrina Bowers/Lisa Bertram, DPIRD media liaison,+61 (0)8 9368 3937