Western Australia has traditionally been an export-focused grain market, with more than 90% of production destined for overseas customers. Much of this grain is delivered into the CBH system before being shipped to global export markets.
While this model will continue to play a major role, the export landscape is evolving. Exporters are increasingly exploring opportunities outside the CBH network, creating additional pathways for growers.
As WA grain production grows, competition within the export sector is intensifying. Growth is encouraging investment in alternative storage, handling and export solutions. Rising storage and freight costs are also influencing market behaviour, with alternative delivery sites becoming an increasingly attractive, cost-effective option for growers in some regions of the state.
The Challengers
Bunge was one of the first major players to challenge the traditional export pathway, building its own port facility at Bunbury in 2014, along with upcountry sites at Kukerin and Arthur River. While the Bunbury Port facility operates as a true DEU site with no receival or freight charges, the upcountry sites incur freight and receival costs that broadly align with CBH charges.
This point of difference has given growers more opportunities to price and deliver grain competitively. Bunge has also used the CBH network for site-based pricing in regions where this aligns with its Bunbury export pathway.
End-user markets are not new. Commodities such as oats, lupins, faba beans and other pulses have long been exported through niche channels, while larger-volume crops including barley, wheat and canola have increasingly found homes in specialised international markets.
These exports move through both bulk and containerised programs, with containers servicing destinations that may not be equipped to receive bulk vessels. Much of this business has historically been handled through the Kwinana Port Zone by a range of merchants and exporters.
Companies such as Demeter, PGH (Kojonup and Fremantle) and IGH have been active participants for many years, while newer buyers including Mandala and Pinnacle have further increased competition. In recent seasons, Esperance Quality Grains has also exported grain through both bulk and containerised programs out of the Esperance Port Zone.
Over the past two seasons in the Albany Port Zone, Commodity Ag has operated a mobile bulk grain ship-loading system from the Port of Albany via General Purpose Berth 2. This has given growers the option to store grain on farm, deliver directly to port, or use strategically located accumulation sites around Albany.
The system has added delivery flexibility and created an alternative export pathway for a range of commodities outside the CBH network. Commodity Ag is also developing a new site south-east of Nyabing, with further sites reportedly under consideration.
Demeter has also been expanding its regional footprint. A new Merredin facility has been added to its existing Williams and Pingelly sites in the Kwinana Port Zone. In the Albany Port Zone, new facilities at Newdegate, North Stirling and Down Road will complement the existing Wagin site.
These sites operate on a delivered-site pricing model and offer growers another attractive delivery option, particularly for spot sales. Demeter intends to export bulk grain through the Qube facility at the Port of Albany, adding marketing flexibility and competition for growers.
Other opportunities are emerging across the state. Plum Grove has operated independently within the Geraldton Port Zone and completed bulk export shipments during the 2025–26 season, with plans for further expansion. Avon Pack has also opened for deliveries in the Northam region and will offer container packing, creating yet another marketing pathway for growers.
Considerations Moving Forward
Overall, the emergence of alternative delivery and export options is a positive development for WA growers. Increased competition is creating more choice and flexibility, but understanding the logistics, costs and operational requirements of each pathway remains critical.
The best option will depend on the individual business: its logistics, cash flow requirements and overall marketing strategy.
Freight costs, truck turnaround times, payment terms, delivery flexibility, quality requirements, inventory management and counterparty risk can all significantly affect the overall value of an opportunity, so it pays to understand the full commercial picture before committing tonnes.
A price that looks attractive on the surface may not deliver the best net result once all costs and operational considerations are factored in. A Planfarm Marketing Advisor can help you assess the true value of each option, compare delivery pathways and ensure marketing decisions align with your business objectives and bottom-line outcomes.
