Currently accepting applications

MASTER THE AUSTRALIAN RETAIL LANDSCAPE WITH DOMESTIC MARKET PATHWAYS

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is excited to announce our second instalment of our WA Domestic Market Pathways Program. Based on the success of the program last year, the program has been updated for 2026 to give participants knowledge and access to the Australian retail market.

In collaboration with industry experts, the program will consist of a mix of workshops, 1-on-1 consultations and buyer introductions. With the emphasis on networking in the latter stages to build connections and foster business growth within the WA Food and Beverage sector.

The program consists of 4 phases with businesses able to exit the program at any stage. However, completion of the previous phases is required to advance to the next phase. Businesses are able to pay on a phase by phase basis, or upfront for all 4.

A PDF of the program breakdown (which can be seen below) can be downloaded here. We recommend that you download and keep this as you will not be able to see the information once your application is started.
Program Breakdown

Phase 1: Full Day Masterclass & 1-on-1 Business Capability Consultations

The first masterclass will deliver expert insights into key domestic market channels including retail, foodservice and institutional supply.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of major groups such as Coles, Woolworths, Metcash/IGA, Aldi, foodservice distributors e.g. PFD, Bidfood and institutional organisations e.g. Sodexo, Compass.

The workshop will provide unique insights for businesses already supplying these channels and those seeking expansion in WA and the eastern states, equipping your business with the knowledge and tools to prepare for buyer engagement and market growth.

When: Tuesday 24th February 2026, 9.00am - 4pm, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided

Where: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 39 Northside Dr, Hillarys WA 6025

In the days following the masterclass, an in person 60 minute per company will be held to discuss business capability consultations with your business will be scheduled. These sessions will build on the masterclass learnings and provide tailored, practical support to assess each business's readiness to scale and engage national markets.

Cost: $108.90 incl. GST per person, plus $55 incl. GST for an additional person per business. Max 2 people per company.
Phase 2: Pricing Review and Pitch Deck Development Workshop & 1-on-1 Consultations

Phase 2 will start with a workshop session designed to strengthen knowledge of retail pricing, trade and wholesale margins, market requirements, and buyer expectations while providing tools to develop tailored pitch decks. This phase directly supports businesses in understanding their pricing position and honing their market-specific unique selling propositions (USPs) for effective buyer engagement.

When: Wednesday 18th March 2026, 9.00am - 2.30pm, with lunch provided

Where: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 39 Northside Dr, Hillarys WA 6025

In the days following the workshop an in person 60-minute consultation per company will be scheduled.

The primary objective of this consultation will be to provide tailored, practical support to refine each business’s pricing strategy and pitch deck, building on the workshop content.

Cost: $108.90 incl. GST per person, plus $55 incl. GST for an additional person per business. Max 2 people per company.
Phase 3: Pitching and Buyer Preparation Consultations

Two x 60-minute online consultations per business. The primary objective of these consultations is to refine and strengthen your business's pitch and buyer engagement readiness, ensuring that your business is fully prepared for meetings with relevant buyers during Phase 4.

These tailored consultations will build confidence, refine messaging, and prepare participants to maximise opportunities in buyer meetings and trade shows.

Meetings will be scheduled between businesses and consultants. We expect that these consultations will be held in April 2026.

Cost: $108.90 incl. GST per person, plus $55 incl. GST for an additional person per business. Max 2 people per company.
Phase 4: Key distributors/retailers introductions and presentations.

Buyer engagement meetings will be planned and facilitated with key distributors/retailers, and foodservice buyers. These introductions will provide participants with direct access to trade buyers and decision-makers, creating opportunities for business development and market expansion.

Timings and location of buyer meetings are to be confirmed, with the expectation that these will be held in May 2026.

Cost: No cost, only available to participants that have completed all 3 phases.
Application Closing Date - 5:00pm (AWST) on 10th February 2026.

Please ensure you have read and understood this page before moving on. You cannot go back once you have started the application questions. Please continue to the next page if you are ready to complete the application questions.

The application is 20 questions and we don't expect it to take any more than 10 minutes.

Numbers for this program are capped at 30 and applications will be assessed against evaluation criteria.

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