The Western Australian government has released its Distilling Industry Strategy 2025-2030, co-created with industry leaders to raise the profile of the state’s unique premium spirits on the global stage.
Distillery businesses are strong contributors to the Western Australia's hospitality and tourism industries, providing job opportunities and strengthening the economy. There are approximately 90 distillery businesses in the state, 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 the state's distinctive botanicals, to create their premium quality products.
Launched at the Perth Royal Distilled Spirits Awards on 24 August, the Distilling Industry Strategy focuses on boosting brand recognition and tripling sales over the next five years. Its recommendations centre on four priority areas – to advocate through collaboration and supportive policy, to advance through industry development, to promote Western Australian spirits on the national and international stage, and to access domestic and export markets.
The strategy was developed with extensive industry consultation, led by the Australian Distillers Association and Western Australian Distillers Guild, with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Western Australian Agriculture and Food Minister, Jackie Jarvis, said the state’s distilling industry embodies the innovation, quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that define its 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,” said Jarvis.
"This strategy reinforces the 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.”
A working group will now develop an implementation plan to achieve early wins and long-term progress towards a strong and sustainable distilling industry. Head to dpird.wa.gov.au to view the WA Distilling Industry Strategy 2025-2030.
