Raising a Glass to Second Chances: Damaged Goods Distilling Co. at Perth Makers Market

When you sip a gin or vodka from Damaged Goods Distilling Co., you’re tasting more than just a finely crafted spirit. You’re tasting a belief: that good things shouldn’t go to waste.

On Sunday 21 September at the Spring Perth Makers Market, visitors will have the chance to experience this Swan Valley distillery’s bold and refreshing take on sustainable drinks. Founded by bartender-turned-spirits-specialist Tim Laferla and chef Pia Papenfuss, Damaged Goods is challenging the way the drinks industry thinks about ingredients, waste, and quality.

From Hospitality to Sustainability

Tim’s years behind the bar and Pia’s upbringing in Germany’s recycling-conscious culture may not sound like the recipe for a distillery, but together they’ve created something that feels both natural and groundbreaking.

Tim’s career took him from Perth to London, where he worked with Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling and saw first-hand how kitchens were beginning to embrace zero-waste practices. Back home, during the COVID years, he noticed a disconnect: the food world was learning how to save and upcycle, while the drinks industry lagged behind.

Meanwhile, Pia’s instincts had always been to find value in what others overlooked. Growing up in Berlin, composting, food rescue, and clever reuse were part of everyday life. For her, seeing fruit discarded for not being “perfect” was frustrating but also inspiring.

The two decided to act. Instead of importing pristine fruit from halfway across the world, why not take what WA already had in abundance – husks, pulp, and “ugly” fruit – and give it a new life?

How Spirits Get a Second Life

At Damaged Goods, the raw ingredients aren’t just unusual; they’re rescued. Citrus husks from juicing companies, apple pulp from local ciders, or bananas deemed too spotty for the supermarket shelf are given a second chance in the still.

Everything is made in small 200L batches at their Swan Valley distillery. Tim and Pia do it all by hand – from prepping fruit to running the copper hybrid still, to filtering, tasting, and bottling. It’s a careful, weeks-long process, but one that yields spirits that are bright, bold, and unmistakably fresh.

Their line-up includes standouts like the Final Squeeze Citrus Gin, Smashed Apple Aperitivo, and the cheekily named Gone Bananas Vodka. Each bottle is a playful reminder that waste can be reimagined into something remarkable.

Recognition Beyond the Glass

The philosophy of Damaged Goods hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, the distillery was recognised at the WasteSorted Awards, receiving a Highly Commended in the Closing the Loop category. This recognition highlighted the impact of their model – one where “damaged goods” aren’t discarded, but celebrated.

For Tim and Pia, that validation wasn’t just about the accolade. It was about hearing growers say how good it felt to see fruit once destined for the bin transformed into award-winning spirits. The feedback from farmers, producers, and customers continues to fuel their mission.

Building a Near-Zero-Waste Distillery

Damaged Goods doesn’t stop at rescuing fruit. Sustainability is baked into every part of their business. Spent botanicals are repurposed wherever possible, packaging is recycled, and their distillery operations are designed to use less water and energy. Even their events and tastings avoid single-use plastics, opting for reusable cups and eco-friendly setups.

The result isn’t just a range of delicious drinks – it’s a working example of how a small business can minimise waste without compromising quality.

Full-Time Passion, Everyday Challenge

Running Damaged Goods isn’t a side hustle. Both Tim and Pia are all in, working full-time to grow their vision. Of course, that comes with challenges.

Like many small producers, they’re not only making the spirits but also handling compliance, marketing, packaging, and sales. Some days, the to-do list seems endless. But they see those hurdles as opportunities to learn, adapt, and stay creative. The reward is watching their bottles reach more shelves, bars, and homes across WA, each one carrying their story of second chances.

The future for Damaged Goods is about growth, but not at the expense of their values. They want to scale their near-zero-waste model, showing that small distilleries can punch above their weight when it comes to impact. That means more partnerships with growers, more upcycled products, and more people discovering that sustainability can taste fantastic.

Whether through new stockists, a bigger online presence, or welcoming more visitors to their Swan Valley tasting room, the goal is the same: to keep proving that “damaged goods” can create extraordinary spirits.

Experience Damaged Goods for Yourself

Markets are more than just sales opportunities for Damaged Goods – they’re about connection. Perth Makers Market offers a chance to meet people face-to-face, share their story, and watch someone’s reaction when they try a sample for the first time.

For Tim and Pia, that community focus is what makes the market special. It’s a celebration of local makers, growers, and artisans – values that align perfectly with their mission to support WA produce and keep things close to home.

On Sunday 21 September at Goolugatup Heathcote, visitors to the Spring Perth Makers Market will have the chance to meet Tim and Pia, hear their story, and sample their unique range of spirits. Whether you’re curious about sustainable practices, keen to support local, or just in the mood for a refreshing new drink, their stall is worth a stop.

Every pour tells a story – of rescued fruit, of creativity, and of a couple’s determination to make a difference one bottle at a time.

Join us at the Spring Perth Makers Market and discover how Damaged Goods Distilling Co. is raising a glass to second chances.