Western Australian premium food producers looking to stage their product for luxury domestic and international markets are encouraged to participate in a series of free workshops to help build local food businesses.
The Department of Agriculture and Food’s, Food Industry Innovation project will host three Plan, Prepare, Prosper Food workshops starting 30 May at the department’s Specialised Food Centre in Albany.
Participants have the option to attend any or all of the modules which include strategic planning, financial management, and sales and marketing.
Department Food Industry Innovation project manager Kim Antonio said the workshops were designed to help local food businesses develop robust strategic plans to inform decision making in times of risk and opportunity.
“Western Australia’s climate and quality food production give our state a unique opportunity to produce and export highly regarded premium food products,” Mr Antonio said.
“However, regional food businesses operating in isolation can face a mammoth task competing against established international brands and identifying new markets.
“The state’s sheer land size means regional food operators are often constrained by limited business collaboration opportunities, a lack of market analysis resources and insufficient regional infrastructure.”
Specialised Food Centre manager Nikki Poulish said the workshops would provide invaluable opportunities for businesses operating within WA’s premium agrifood sector to identify similarities, share their knowledge and experiences, and develop a collegial network.
“The workshops aim to drive growth, strengthen and sustain local food businesses, and build resilient rural communities,” Mrs Poulish said.
The Food Industry Innovation project, supported by Royalties for Regions, is committed to helping WA’s agrifood businesses grow and enhance their long-term viability and competitiveness.
The workshop dates are 30 May, 6 and 13 June 2017, at the Specialised Food Centre based at the department’s Albany office.
For more information or to register attendance, contact department Food Industry Innovation project officer Kaylene Parker on +61 (0)8 9892 8416, +61 (0) 413 856 515 or email: FoodIndustryInnovation@agric.wa.gov.au [1]
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937