WA Distilling Sector Cheers New Industry Strategy
The Cook Government is backing Western Australia’s rapidly growing distilling industry with the launch of a new roadmap to elevate the State’s unique premium spirits on the global stage.
The WA Distilling Industry Strategy 2025-2030 was unveiled to industry at the Perth Royal Distilled Spirits Awards earlier this week with a focus on boosting brand recognition and tripling sales over the next five years.
The strategy is the first of its kind for WA and was developed with extensive industry consultation, led by the Australian Distillers Association and WA Distillers Guild, with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Its recommendations centre on four priority areas – to advocate through collaboration and supportive policy, to advance through industry development, to promote WA spirits on the national and international stage, and to access domestic and export markets.
Distillery businesses are strong contributors to the Western Australia’s hospitality and tourism industries, providing job opportunities and strengthening the State’s economy.
There are approximately 90 distillery businesses in WA, with close to half based in the regions.
More than three quarters of these businesses produce gin, followed by vodka, whiskey, premixed spirits, limoncello, rum, brandy and other spirits.
Western Australian spirits are known for having a strong sense of provenance, with more than 90 per cent of distillers reporting they use local ingredients, such as WA’s distinctive botanicals, to create their premium quality products.
The launch of the WA Distilling Industry Strategy 2025-2030 follows the inaugural WA Craft Beer and Spirits Innovation Trade Showcase held in Perth earlier this year, and the Cook Government’s Western Australian Craft Beer Strategy.
A working group will now develop an implementation plan to achieve early wins and long-term progress towards a strong and sustainable distilling industry.
The WA Distilling Industry Strategy 2025-2030 can be viewed at www.dpird.wa.gov.au/wa-distilling-strategy-2025-2030
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“Western Australia’s distilling industry embodies the innovation, quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our State’s economic future.
“The WA Distilling Industry Strategy builds on the momentum of this exciting emerging industry, and will support local businesses to grow and diversify, capture new markets and create new jobs.
“This strategy reinforces the Cook Government’s commitment to support initiatives that drive economic diversification and value-added manufacturing, aligning with our Made in WA Plan and our Diversify WA framework.
“I commend the WA Distillers Guild, the Australian Distillers Association, and all contributors for their leadership and collaboration to help position WA as a premier destination for world-class spirits.”
As stated by Western Australian Distillers Guild president James Young:
“This strategy is a landmark moment for WA’s distilling industry – crafted by industry, for industry.
“Our producers are united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, and this
strategy gives us a shared path forward.
“The strategy highlights our collective ambition and showcases WA’s potential to become a global leader for premium spirits.
“We look forward to working with industry and government to bring its vision to life.”
As stated by Australian Distillers Association president Holly Klintworth:
“The Australian Distillers Association is proud to stand alongside the WA distilling community in delivering this industry-led strategy.
“Developed through extensive consultation with producers across the State, this roadmap captures the priorities and aspirations of WA distillers and positions them to thrive in premium markets, both locally and globally.
“This strategy reflects the sector’s strong sense of identity and its appetite for growth.
“It also highlights the value of collaboration between distillers, their peak bodies, and government towards shared goals.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/WA-distilling-sector-in-high-spirits-with-new-industry-strategy-launch-20250824