A blueprint to grow the value of local food and drink production by £50 million over the next 10 years is unveiled today by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).
'Food Matters' – the Department's food business development strategy – will go before Tynwald for approval this month.
Food and drink production is already worth £75 million to the Manx economy and supports 1,300 jobs. 'Food Matters' sets out how it could be worth £125 million by 2025.
Richard Ronan MHK gained Tynwald's approval in January 2014 to develop the strategy and has since been appointed Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, so will oversee its implementation subject to this month's vote.
He says growing the food and drink sector would create jobs, boosting the economy; put Manx food and drink on the map, increasing visitor numbers and investment, and lead to greater choice for consumers at a time when quality and provenance are becoming increasingly important.
'This strategy sets out how the Isle of Man Government and the private sector can work together to increase our share of the food and drink market, at home and abroad, grow the sector and offer local people and visitors greater quality and choice,' the Minister said.
The development of a distinctive local food and drink sector is a key aim of Vision 2020, the Government's plan for economic success.
'Food Matters' sets out how Government can offer support to and encourage innovation within the Isle of Man food and drink sector.
Steps towards ensuring the strategy's success would include developing an action plan; offering practical support for new start-ups and product development; reviewing Government's own food procurement strategy; re-allocating support to ensure a more market-focused approach and improving communication with retailers and policy-makers.
DEFA would work jointly with the Department of Economic Development, which boasts expertise in the retail and tourism sectors and in business development and marketing.
'Food and drink is an integral part of the Island's landscape and heritage and has a vital role to play in its cultural and economic future,' Minister Ronan said.'The Island already has highly successful food and drink producers that export £20 million worth of products, largely to the UK and Europe, with some products reaching as far afield as America and the Far East. This is in addition to more than £15 million in local sales.
'The number of businesses creating local food and drink has grown from 30 in 2010 to more than 100, proving there's a bright future and a growing market for high-quality Manx products.
'Food retail on the Island is worth £169 million, the vast majority of it imported goods, and the 'eating out' industry is worth £94 million – more than a third of that spent by visitors.
'The local food and drink sector must compete with off-Island producers who benefit from economies of scale and can supply shops, restaurants etc at cheaper prices.
'However, consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their choice of food and drink, for health, economic and environmental reasons and this can give us a competitive advantage into the future. Supporting local businesses, taste and quality, knowing where their food has come from – the so-called journey from farm to fork – and food miles and packaging are important to them.
'This strategy sets out how we will work with the retail and hospitality sectors to ensure local produce has pride of place on local shelves and local menus.
'The Island must ensure it can provide the "food experiences" required of residents and visitors alike, to grow its reputation as a desirable place to live, work and visit.'
'Food Matters' can be found at www.whereyoucan.com/fooddrink
