'Green shoots' of opportunity for Manx producers

Government supports private sector to promote food and drink offering

There are 'green shoots of opportunity' for Manx food and drink producers.

That’s the view of one business which has showcased its wares at the International Food and Drink Event in London.

This year’s show in London, the largest of its kind, attracted more than 27,000 visitors.

Producers from the Isle of Man were supported by Business Isle of Man at the event with an evening reception - for a group of more than 80 buyers, journalists, chefs and influencers - hosted by government.

Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said: "We were extremely pleased to welcome so many notable guests to our evening showcase and the level of interest in the Isle of Man and Manx produce was both heartening and motivational for the businesses involved."

Ollie Neale, board member for Business Isle of Man and the managing director of Okell’s Brewery and H&B Wholesale Limited, said: "The Food and Drink Export Development group has taken the first step towards increasing our exports by attending IFE.

"Coming together we have pooled our resources to create a presence that would not have been possible for an individual exhibitor.

"Our strength as a sector lies in being able to share costs, ideas, and platforms."

Findlay Macleod, Business Isle of Man board member and managing director of Isle of Man Creamery, added: "Off-Island sales continue to be a crucial element of Isle of Man Creamery’s annual revenue and growing these sales is strategically important."

Paul Kerruish is the founder of the Fynoderee Distillery and told Manx Radio the Island's unique biosphere status is a valuable marketing tool: