The State Government has concluded a significant trade mission, “Taste WA 2025,” which directly connected more than 90 Western Australian food and beverage businesses with over 20 international buyers from key export markets. For agritourism operators focused on value-adding and diversifying revenue streams, this initiative underscores the growing global demand for the state’s premium produce and provides a tangible pathway to new markets.
The week-long program, announced on 29 October 2025, involved immersive tours through the South West and Great Southern regions, allowing buyers from 12 countries, including China, Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, to engage directly with local producers and gain insights into product provenance.
Immersive Regional Tours Showcase Premium Produce
The structure of the trade mission validates the core value proposition of many WAAA members. The delegation participated in what the government described as “incredible paddock-to-plate dining experiences” and immersive tours focused on high-value agricultural products. These included horticulture, lamb, beef, wagyu, truffles, and abalone—sectors in which many agritourism businesses operate.
According to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson, the mission was designed to highlight the story behind the products.
“Taste WA allows international buyers to immerse themselves in some of the world’s most pristine food production environments and understand what makes WA food and beverages so special,” he said.
“It’s a program that is designed to showcase not only our products but also the people and places behind them.”
Strategic Link to Broader Market Access Initiatives
The delegation’s visit culminated in their attendance at WA’s largest food and beverage trade show, “Meet the Buyer,” in Perth. This integration signals a coordinated government strategy to build direct relationships between producers and both domestic and international supply chains.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis stated that the initiative is a core part of the government’s export growth strategy.
“The Cook Government is committed to growing our agrifood exports, including supporting market access, new partnerships and export opportunities for WA agribusinesses,” she noted. The government affirmed that previous missions have yielded measurable results, leading to new export deals for beef, chicken, dairy, and wine in key international markets.
Key Takeaways for Agritourism Operators
The success of initiatives like Taste WA provides a clear signal to the agritourism sector about the strategic importance of developing export-ready, value-added products. While tourism remains a primary focus, this trade mission demonstrates that a high-quality, on-farm product—be it charcuterie, preserves, wine, or truffles—has a distinct and growing market beyond the farm gate.
Operators should view this as a prompt to assess their own export capabilities and consider engagement with State-supported programs designed to build market access. As Minister Jarvis confirmed,
“We know previous Taste WA missions have facilitated hundreds of business connections and contributed to millions of dollars in export growth, which is a testament to the quality and appeal of WA produce.” This demonstrates a proven return on investment for businesses that align their production with global premium food trends.
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