A taste of the South West was served up at a special trade dinner at the Australian Embassy in Berlin, further placing the region in the international spotlight as a producer of premium food.
About 50 high-level guests attended the event last month that was hosted by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Premium food importers and representatives from fine dining restaurants and high-end hotels were among those on the guest list.
South West Development Commission (SWDC) chief executive officer Mellisa Teede said she was delighted the Commission’s TradeStart team was able to assist by sourcing a supply of truffles from Pottinger Truffles in Pemberton.
“Our team here was able to provide the connection between Austrade in Germany and a local supplier,” Ms Teede.
“Events like this help to increase interest from buyers in the diverse food and beverage products the South West region of Western Australia has to offer.”
Pottinger Truffles co-founder David Pottinger said the Southern Forests was responsible for the majority of the Southern Hemisphere’s black truffle production.
“I believe export industries are very important for our future. The multiplier effect of primary industry combined with export income is critical for our region,” Mr Pottinger said.
SWDC delivers Austrade’s TradeStart services for the region, giving local businesses access to commercial export advice, contacts and market entry assistance.
TradeStart allows exporters to tap into the reach and expertise of an international trade support network.