A new initiative to support WA’s food and beverage sector this winter

This winter, Western Australian consumers will be encouraged by a new Plating Up WA initiative designed to support small businesses and local producers across the state by dining out.

Plating Up WA is an initiative of the state government’s Buy West Eat Best program that aims to help local pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants grow their business during one of the quietest months of the year, June.

At over 45 locations across the state, the menu will feature ‘hero dishes’ using the best of WA’s winter ingredients, such as warm WA potatoes, crispy carrots, butter beans, truffles, WA rock lobster, Wagin duck and Margaret River Wagyu.

Importantly, the Plating Up WA initiative also supports local producers by strengthening connections between facilities and suppliers.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Jackie Jarvis said the initiative was a great opportunity to support local producers, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

“We know that consumers are feeling pressure on the cost of living and local businesses are facing the same challenges – adding that the winter months can be the hardest for properties as people tend to stay at home.

“It’s important to remember that buying local means supporting our local producers and all the local businesses in the supply chain that help get your product to market and market it,” Jarvis said.

Some of the participating restaurants across Perth include Drasko’s Hot Chicken in Mount Hawthorn, RoyAl’s Chicken and Burgers Northbridge, Subi Continental in Subiaco, Core Cider and Funk Brewshed in Swan Valley and Ethos Deli and Dining Room in Fremantle.

Also taking part in the event are Kalbarri from Finlay, Ooze & Tang from the South West, Tall Timbers Manjimup and Jaspers Pemberton.

Collectively, Washington state’s food, beverage and food service sectors employ more than 100,000 workers, many of whom work in small businesses.

This is the sixth year of Plating Up WA and since its inception, over 200 facilities across the state have participated in the initiative.