Spring is here, bringing with it a bounty of fresh, delicious produce from our very own backyard. That’s why October is the perfect time to celebrate Western Australia’s incredible food and beverage industry during Buy West Eat Best month!

What is Buy West Eat Best?

Now in its 16th year, Buy West Eat Best is a homegrown initiative encouraging everyone in WA to prioritize local when it comes to their food and drink choices. Look for the distinctive bite mark logo – a symbol of quality and provenance – and you know you’re getting something truly special from our state.

Why Support Local?

Choosing WA-produced goods goes beyond just enjoying amazing flavours; it’s about making a tangible difference:

• Fresher, Tastier, Seasonal: Enjoy produce at its peak, bursting with flavour and nutrients, thanks to shorter supply chains and a focus on seasonality.
• Supporting Local Economies: Buying local keeps dollars circulating within our communities, supporting WA farmers, producers, processors, and retailers.
• Sustainable Choices: Reduced food miles mean a lighter environmental footprint. Plus, many WA producers are leading the way in sustainable farming practices.

Get Involved!

• Become a Logo Detective: Keep an eye out for the Buy West Eat Best bite mark logo at your local supermarket, farmers’ market, restaurant, and bottle shop.
• Explore New Tastes: This month is the perfect opportunity to try a new WA cheese, discover a local wine you’ve never had before, or sample a unique artisan product.
• Connect with Producers: Visit a farmers’ market, attend a food festival, or take a farm tour to meet the passionate people behind WA’s incredible food and beverages.
• Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and followers about the importance of buying local and encourage them to join the Buy West Eat Best movement!

For more information on the program, participating businesses, and events happening throughout October, visit the Buy West Eat Best website: www.buywesteatbest.org.au

Let’s make this October a delicious celebration of all things WA!

Words by:

Andy Burns

Andy Burns is a driving force in the Western Australian tourism industry, currently serving as Vice-President of the WAAA. He’s the Founder of Scott Aussie Tourism Marketing, a South West WA-based agency specialising in helping tourism businesses thrive in the digital age. Scott Aussie offers a full range of marketing services, from strategic planning and branding to content creation, social media management, and AI-powered solutions. Andy’s deep understanding of the tourism landscape, combined with his expertise in destination marketing and community engagement, makes him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and trainer. He’s a regular presenter at industry conferences and workshops, sharing his insights on topics ranging from digital marketing strategy to the future of tourism. Andy is also a member of the Manjimup Tourist Bureau and a Councillor at the Shire of Manjimup. His previous leadership roles include six years on the board of Tourism Rockingham and five years as Chair of a Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) advisory committee.