Festival launch for food sector ventures

Manx food businesses ripe to deliver

Organisers of the ninth Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival say they've had positive feedback from firms who took stalls at the event, with many upbeat about the opportunities it presented to network, promote and sell.

Island producers, growers, farmers, restaurateurs, brewers, distillers and caterers gathered over two days at the Villa Marina gardens last weekend (16 & 17 Sept) at what has become the sector's biggest annual showcase.

The Department of Food and Agriculture promoted its provenance labelling system, distinguishing items that are 'product of' and 'made in' the Isle of Man.

The importance to the local economy of Manx food sales was also flagged by DEFA political member Martyn Perkins, spreading the word that every £1 spent on Manx produce is ultimately worth £1.85 to the economy.

Several Manx food entrepreneurs used the festival to showcase new ventures.

For Carl Huxham of Aalin Dairy, a first chance to market his farm-bottled milk, yoghurt and cream, while sheep farmers Will and Jeanette Qualtrough took their mobile butcher's shop on its first outing.

They've been speaking to Marian Kenny: