Western Australian gourmet food and beverages have been a focal point for department store David Jones.
David Jones buyers visited Western Australia last week to source local premium products for its food halls and associated cafes.
The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) and South West Development Commission (SWDC) helped coordinate meetings with more than 50 Western Australian companies over four days.
Four David Jones buyers met with companies at the department’s South Perth premises, visited properties and companies in the South West and perused farmers’ markets at Mt Claremont and Subiaco.
Produce on show ranged from wine and whisky to chocolate and honey to spices and bush foods.
DAFWA Director General Rob Delane said there was an enthusiastic response from local companies.
“There is an array of vibrant and innovative producers who presented an outstanding range of products,” Mr Delane said.
“Being able to facilitate companies to meet with a major retailer is part of work that the department does right along the supply chain to deliver maximum benefit to industry.”
SWDC chief executive officer Don Punch said the partnership between DAFWA and the SWDC highlighted their joint commitment to promote information about emerging market opportunities and the capability of the South West agriculture and food sector.
Madeleine Taylor, David Jones General Manager Home and Food said: “At David Jones we are proud to have the best selection of gourmet food from Australia and around the world.
“Western Australia has a fantastic produce offering and is always on our itinerary when sourcing new products to expand our offering.”
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison, +61 (0)8 9368 3937 - Teneille Watson, SWDC community relations officer, +61 (0)8 9792 2000