Boston Brewing and Great Southern Distilling Co sampled at WA Craft Beer and Spirits Innovation Trade Showcase

Visitors from across the country and overseas sampled some of the best craft alcohol the Great Southern has to offer earlier this month thanks to an inaugural trade showcase in Perth.

Award-winning spirits manufacturer Great Southern Distilling Co. and Denmark-based craft beer producers Boston Brewing were among the 40 producers at the WA Craft Beer and Spirits Innovation Trade Showcase in Perth on April 1.

The showcase, which was part of a wider inbound trade mission, allowed local producers to talk directly to potential buyers.

Delegates hailed from key Asian markets, including Singapore — the leading buyer of WA alcohol — and China and Thailand where markets are emerging.

Interstate buyers also sipped on local beverages.

“In the Great Southern, our distinct climate and landscape are renowned for producing quality premium food and beverage products,” Great Southern Development Commission chief executive Natasha Monks said.

“This mission highlighted our region’s extraordinary craft beers and spirits, created from that same fertile land and gave them the recognition they deserve.”

Minister for Regional Development Stephen Dawson said the expo was an excellent opportunity to showcase the excellence of regional wares to both interstate and international markets.

“Many of the State’s craft brewers and distillers are based in regional areas and are family-run businesses,” he said.

“The trade mission includes visits to the South West, allowing international visitors to sample the array of beverages on offer and take advantage of regional WA’s unparalleled ‘paddock to pint’ experience.

“We are delighted to welcome the international and interstate visitors to Western Australia so we can showcase our amazing high-quality products.”

The mission was developed by Austrade’s WA TradeStart network in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South West Development Commission, GSDC, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA and beer and spirits industry groups.