SEVEN Western Australian companies have been acknowledged for their role in developing an innovative and prosperous local food industry with the awarding of grants under the state government’s WA Food Industry Development Fund. The seven grant recipients have developed projects totalling $1.6 million, and the government will contribute $500,000 towards the projects. Eric Ripper, in his capacity as deputy premier, said that the agri-food sector was a critical part of the WA economy and had the potential to expand into new areas and create even more jobs in the state. The grant recipients are D’Orsogna, D Trandos and Sons, Margaret River Nuts and Cereals, Fremantle Octopus, Fresh Food Industries, Billabong Brewing and Pacco Group.