The Western Australian Government has launched a new strategy to strengthen the State’s rapidly growing distilling sector, positioning local premium spirits for greater recognition in domestic and global markets.
The WA Distilling Industry Strategy 2025-2030 was unveiled at the Perth Royal Distilled Spirits Awards, outlining plans to boost brand visibility and triple industry sales within five years.
Developed in consultation with the Australian Distillers Association, the WA Distillers Guild, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the roadmap is the first of its kind in the State.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said the strategy reflects the Cook Government’s commitment to supporting industries that contribute to diversification and value-added manufacturing.
“Western Australia’s distilling industry embodies the innovation, quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our State’s economic future,” Jarvis said.
“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.”
The strategy is centred on four key areas: policy support and collaboration, industry development, promotion of Western Australian spirits nationally and internationally, and improved access to domestic and export markets.
A working group will be established to guide implementation and identify early opportunities for growth.
Jarvis added that the initiative complements the government’s wider focus on manufacturing through its Made in WA Plan and Diversify WA framework.
“This strategy reinforces the Cook Government’s commitment to support initiatives that drive economic diversification and value-added manufacturing,” she said.
Western Australia currently has around 90 distillery businesses, nearly half of which are based in regional areas. More than three-quarters of these operations produce gin, while others make vodka, whiskey, premixed spirits, limoncello, rum, brandy and other products.
According to industry data, over 90 per cent of WA distillers use local ingredients, such as distinctive native botanicals, to create premium spirits that carry a strong sense of provenance.
Western Australian Distillers Guild president James Young welcomed the launch as a milestone for the sector.
“This strategy is a landmark moment for WA’s distilling industry – crafted by industry, for industry,” Young said. “Our producers are united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, and this strategy gives us a shared path forward.”
Australian Distillers Association president Holly Klintworth said the collaborative process behind the strategy was crucial in aligning priorities across the sector.
“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,” Klintworth said.
“It also highlights the value of collaboration between distillers, their peak bodies, and government towards shared goals.”
The strategy follows the inaugural WA Craft Beer and Spirits Innovation Trade Showcase held earlier this year and builds on the government’s existing Western Australian Craft Beer Strategy.
It is expected to strengthen the State’s tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing industries while creating jobs and economic opportunities.
