A new event that brought together award-winning Manx food and drink producers with buyers, hoteliers, and restaurateurs was held in Douglas.
Last weeks exclusive ‘Meet Your Producer’ event at Market Hall is part of a new collaboration between the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) and the Department for Enterprise (DfE).
The event followed the widely criticised decision to axe the annual Food and Drink Festival and the debacle caused by the government over ice cream at the Royal Agriculture Show.
The departments are working together to boost support for local producers.
Support For Local Producers
The evening saw around two dozen exhibitors showcasing their wares, including Great Taste award winners in dairy, drinks, snacks, meats, and seafood, to around 35 businesses and buyers, including major retailers Tesco and Coop.
Claire Christian MHK, political member for DEFA, said: “This event is just one of the new ways we are supporting our fantastic producers to ensure that they have fresh opportunities to connect with new markets.”
As well as major retailers, the event gave local food and drink producers the chance to explore, sample, and network with café, restaurant, bar, hotel, and shop owners.
A working group has also been formed to plan future initiatives for 2025 and beyond.
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