A new ‘Taste Isle of Man’ category has been launched enabling mobile eateries the opportunity to qualify for Taste and Harvest Awards.
Taste - Street Food has been designed by the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development Tourism Division in conjunction with The Department of Food and Agriculture (DEFA) to support mobile food vendors, casual eateries and ‘pop up’ venues that actively support local food but do not have a fixed address.
Rob Callister MHK, the Department member with responsibility for Tourism commented:
‘We are very pleased to launch Taste - Street Food this year, recognising different providers for their use of high-quality and local produce. With a number of large scale events being hosted on the Isle of Man, it is important that we support the growing Street Food Vendor movement on the Island and praise them for their contribution towards making these events so successful.’
Previously, only eateries with fixed premises were able to apply for Taste and Harvest accreditation; however the new scheme is an extension of this and will allow mobile eateries to qualify if they meet the Taste assessment standards. Eateries will be reviewed annually by independent assessors and will be promoted through the Taste Guide and the Visit Isle of Man website.
Andrew Lees, Food Business Development Manager at DEFA commented:
‘We’re delighted to see such new and innovative food vendors starting up on the Isle of Man. This Scheme celebrates the great work that these food producers are doing to support our agriculture and fisheries sectors, helping to maintain the Island’s high quality food standards. As well as being included in the Taste Guide, the scheme will also allow these local food producers’ access to the Food Business Development grants through DEFA.’
Taste Isle of Man is open for applications from Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs and Takeaway or Street food vendors. For further information on how to apply for Taste - Street Food or any of the other schemes please contact Laura Gill.
