Local food and drink producers invited to exhibit at major food and drink events

Local food and drink producers are being invited to exhibit at three major on-Island events this year.

The events include the Southern Agricultural Show, Royal Agricultural Show and the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival, which last year saw a combined total of 40,000 people pass through the doors.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), said:

‘These three events are a great opportunity for businesses to raise their profiles, reach a large number of people, and showcase the Island’s fantastic local food and drink offering. Exhibiting at local shows has been hugely successful in the past, with last year’s Food and Drink Festival bringing an estimated £300,000 to the local economy.

‘The Isle of Man Programme for Government outlines our continued commitment to supporting existing businesses, and encouraging new businesses to set up. With the support of the Food Matters Strategy it is estimated that the Island’s food and drink sector economic value has increased by £25m since 2014.’

The Southern Show will be held on the 27^th and 28^th July at Great Meadow, Castletown; the Royal Show on 9^th and 10^th August at Knockaloe; and the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival on 14^th and 15^th September at the Villa Marina Gardens.

Producers can download application forms from www.gov.im/manxfood (shows) and www.gov.im/food (festival), ring 687520 or email lucy.verdon@gov.im.  

The deadline for applications is 29^th April 2019.