Local food, farming and fishing businesses have been praised for their achievements and increasing diversification at an annual awards ceremony held on Friday 13 September 2019.
The awards were presented by Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) in the Manx Cookery Theatre on the eve of the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival, to each of the five category winners.
The Minister said:
‘Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s awards. Innovation and diversification are key elements to the growth of our local economy. I hope that by seeing how these businesses are achieving success in their communities, others will be given the inspiration and confidence to continue to invest and expand their own businesses.’
The winners at the 2019 Awards were:
- Morgan’s Pies Limited (Food category)
In the late 1970s, the Morgan family set up Muffins Bakery in Peel. Today, Lee Morgan sources local meat, potatoes, dairy and flour to make quality, homemade pies and pasties delivered Island wide.
- Ballagawne Farm Limited (Farming category)
Brothers David and Robert Cooil farm 550 acres spread around the south of the Island. They own and run Ballagawne Farm where 184 Friesian and New Zealand Friesian cross cows are milked, and Ballacreggan Farm in Port St Mary where calves and young stock are reared.
- Isle of Man Seafood Products Limited (Fishing category)
Established in 2007, Isle of Man Seafood Products Limited is the Island’s leading fresh and frozen shellfish processor and distributor. Their main activity is the sale and export of Whelks, King and Queen Scallops, to countries as far afield as Japan and South Korea.
- Glen Down Farm (Diversification category)
Located in Port St Mary, the main enterprise of this 8th generation, 350-acre farm is its dairy herd. Its second enterprise is a flock of 270 mule ewes and their lambs, and in 2006 they began to diversify further by converting a disused farm building into a 6 bed holiday cottage. The family has since completed a camp site/camper van park and built their own shepherd’s huts.
- Georgie Revill, The Cook Shack (Special Recognition Award)
The Cook Shack is a bespoke cookery school in Bride. Founder Georgie has an infectious enthusiasm for cooking with local produce, especially bread baking using Laxey Flour. She supports many community projects and hosts young carers and team building events with a variety of organisations.
This year’s awards are supported by Shoprite. Award-winners received £250 in Shoprite vouchers, a certificate and an engraved glass trophy.
Finalists also recognised at the ceremony were Paula’s Kitchen (Food category), Ballacricket Farm (Farming category), Nicholas Lewis (Fishing category) and The Dairy Shed (Diversification category). As a runner up, each business received £100 in Shoprite vouchers and a certificate.
Amanda Noble, Marketing Manager of Shoprite, said:
‘It was a pleasure to judge a diverse and broad range of local businesses who are all demonstrating such a high standard in their areas. This year we have a great mix of very deserving winners and I’d like to congratulate them all on their achievement.’
