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Marketing course whets appetite of Manx producers

 

Manx food and drink is becoming more widely available on and off Island - but there's plenty of room for expansion.

Last autumn the government unveiled an ambitious strategy to grow the value of Manx produce by £50 million over the next decade.

For that to happen the industry has to buy into the idea and awareness of local produce will have to expand substantially.

Marketing is seen as key - and last week entrepreneurs from nine Manx firms, including start-ups, embarked on a five week course to learn how to promote themselves and their brands more effectively.

The initiative in support of the Food Matters strategy, is co ordinated by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and subsidised by government.

Workshops led by chartered marketer Heather Blackley are open to all representatives of the food and drink industry, including farmers, retailers, artisans and the hospitality trade. 

Chris Cave spoke to students in search of professional guidance at the first session, Annabel Gentry preparing to launch Tastebuds takeaway next month and established restaurateur Robin Mowat: 

 

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