Craft beer strategy hopes to grow booming sector

A new strategy from the State Government has been announced aimed at growing WA’s craft beer sector.

“Western Australia is the craft beer capital of Australia, and we want to help the local industry continue to ‘out brew’ eastern states competitors and even quench the thirst of global markets,” Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said.

“Our craft beer industry uses premium ingredients grown in the State’s agricultural sector and it’s that unique WA ‘paddock to pint’ experience that an increasing number of customers are drawn to.

“It’s also a major draw card for tourists with more than 120 breweries across the State, half of which are in our regions.”

She said the first ever WA Craft Beer Strategy launched last week, would boost local production and create jobs.

“[The strategy] will lay the groundwork for industry, Government and other stakeholders to collaborate and shape the future of the craft beer industry,” she said.

The strategy aims at tripling either the volume or value of locally produced beer over ten years.

It will also strive to improve supply chain integration, including the production of homegrown barley, hops and malt, and local businesses which provide packaging, distribution and retail services.

There are now more than 120 breweries across the metropolitan area and regional WA, representing 20 percent of the national industry.

Beer manufacturing contributed an estimated $648 million to the WA economy in 2020-21, directly supporting around 967 full-time jobs and indirectly supporting more than 4,000 jobs across the State

The strategy was facilitated by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, partnering with the Independent Brewers Association, WA Brewers Association and South West Brewers Alliance.