What does it really take to get fresh food from WA growers to your dinner table? From horse-and-cart beginnings to state-of-the-art, climate-controlled trading floors, the world of fresh produce has undergone an incredible transformation — and few people have witnessed that journey more closely than Damon Watling, Director of Quality Produce International (QPI) and owner of Heavenly Strawberries. In this episode, Kate and Tracey head deep into WA’s fresh-produce supply chain to uncover the unseen work, relationships, challenges and innovations that shape the food we buy every day. Damon shares how 500+ pre-orders roll in overnight, why grower relationships and seasonal forecasting matter more than ever, and how consumers’ stated values often differ from what actually ends up in their baskets. We also explore: ✨ How WA growers are expanding into new growing regions ✨ Why QPI staff specialise in areas like citrus, berries and dates ✨ Surprising truths about transparency, labelling and supply chains ✨ Insight into working with the major supermarkets ✨ And why quality produce still starts with people, not systems. RECIPE OF THE WEEK Asparagus and Ricotta Tart — A delicious recipe to dive into during our WA asparagus season. Find the recipe via - https://www.kateflowerfood.com.au/recipes ABOUT OUR GUEST Damon Watling Director, Quality Produce International | Owner, Heavenly Strawberries Damon Watling has spent his career at the heart of Western Australia’s fresh produce industry, building strong connections between growers, markets, and consumers. As Director of Quality Produce International (QPI), Damon plays a pivotal role in ensuring WA families, restaurants, and retailers have access to the very best fruit and vegetables—sourced with care, handled with precision, and delivered with integrity. More on Quality Produce International - qpi.net.au JOIN THE CONVERSATION Stay curious and get involved! Follow us on Instagram → @curiouscookspodcast Reach out → thecuriouscookspod@gmail.com Discover more via our webpage → https://www.kateflowerfood.com.au/thecuriouscooks SPONSOR THANKS This podcast is proudly supported by Urban Forager — Australia’s only certified organic stock concentrate. Shop the range and use code CURIOUS20 for 20% off aturbanforager.com.au HOST INFORMATION Kate Flower Food stylist, recipe developer, and storyteller, Kate has spent over 30 years in the food industry—and the past 15 bringing dishes to life for some of Australia’s most loved brands. From the farm gate to the family table, she’s passionate about the journey of every ingredient, and how understanding that journey changes the way we cook, eat, and connect. Instagram @kateflowerfood + Facebook @kateflowerfood Tracey Cotterell A professionally trained UK chef turned Perth culinary icon, Tracey has spent decades teaching more than 80,000 home cooks through her Matters of Taste cooking school, and introducing people to fresh food experiences via her Australian and international agrifood tours. Part chef, part tour guide, and all-round fresh produce and cooking expert, #TheCuriousCooks #FoodAdvocate #LocalLegends #KateAndTracey #WAPodcast#TheCuriousCooks #Wholesaleproduce #FreshProduceWA #WAFoodScene #KateAndTracey #EatCuriously #PerthPodcasts #FoodCulture #QualityProduceInternational #UrbanForager
