The Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture (DEFA) invites proposals from local food and drink businesses to exhibit at the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) in 2019.
For the first year, the Isle of Man will be represented at this world-class event which is a celebration of innovative, global and cutting-edge food and drink manufacturers.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Department of Food, Environment and Agriculture, said:
‘The DEFA Food Matters Strategy has made great progress in working with local food businesses to grow an ever increasing range and quality of local food and drink. Many of these new and existing businesses have now grown to a size which means they can move to the next stage and explore selling their products, or more of their products, off the Island.
‘This show is an ideal opportunity for them. As a unique opportunity for local businesses, the event will help to generate new business, engage face-to-face with thousands of key decision makers, establish their company as a top industry producer, and work collaboratively with other Manx businesses to promote the range and quality of Isle of Man produce to an audience of international buyers.’
Taking place at ExCeL on 17-20 March in London, IFE brings together more food and drink buyers and suppliers than any other UK event. The last IFE in 2017 attracted 27,000 attendees from 111 countries, with 1,350 exhibiting companies and an audience of top retailers, foodservice buyers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters and manufacturers.
Interested businesses can express an interest and find out more by contacting DEFA by email: food@gov.im
An application form will then measure eligibility by taking into consideration criteria including evidence of exporting to the UK, food accreditations held, use of local food and drink in exports, UNESCO Biosphere partnership and use of the Isle of Man Provenance label.
