Isle of Man Government – Manx Food and Drink Export Group to attend the International Food Exhibition (IFE) 2025

The Department for Enterprise’s Business Agency will support Isle of Man food and drink exporters to attend the International Food Exhibition (IFE) at London’s ExCel Centre in 2025. This follows the huge success of the 2024 show, which generated over £600,000 in orders and dozens of promising sales leads for participating Isle of Man businesses.

Earlier this year, Manx Creameries, Fynoderee Brewery, Outlier Brewing Company and Okell’s Brewery showcased the finest Manx products to attendees from around the world at IFE 2024. Manx Business, through the Food and Drink Export Development Group, co-funded the costs of participating, enabling Manx businesses to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the event, with the ultimate goal of increasing exports of their products to new markets.

Food and drink exports from the Isle of Man have a stable and loyal market in Spain, France, Italy, the United States, Canada and Australia, and the island exports more than 450 tons of cheese and seafood each year, worth £7 million to £8 million.

Minister for Enterprise Tim Johnston MHK commented:

“I was privileged to visit exhibitors at IFE with London Business earlier this year. The Economic Strategy highlights the need for us to protect, nurture and grow our export sectors and the food and drink sector plays a vital role in this objective. I was impressed by how well Manx produce performed against food and drink from around the world. Judging by the sales at this year’s show, we have a real opportunity to get Manx food and drink onto menus around the world. This success is just the beginning and there is a lot of potential for growth ahead.”

Findlay Macleod, Managing Director of Isle of Man Creamery and Non-Executive Board Member of Isle of Man Business, commented:

“Participating in IFE 2024 has enabled us to secure valuable orders from European clients and has enabled us to effectively market our products to discerning domestic and international buyers. We were delighted to represent the Isle of Man at the show and found that there was a great deal of interest in the Island and the food and drink we produce.”

Okell’s Brewery, winner of the World Food Innovation Award at IFE 2024 and more recently the Great Taste Award, is one of the first companies to sign up to attend the show in 2025. Okell’s will once again be showcasing its products under the Isle of Man Drinks banner, with award-winning Fynoderee Brewery also taking part.

Ollie Neale, Managing Director of Okell’s Brewery and Non-Executive Board Member of Isle of Man Business, commented:

“IFE provides a great opportunity for Okell’s to promote our unique Manx beers to potential customers from a wide range of industries. The ‘Drinks of the Isle of Man’ theme for the show in March set us apart from other beverage producers and we received a lot of appreciation for our unique position as a biosphere for the whole country. We are excited to be exhibiting again in 2025 and building new relationships with potential buyers.”

As well as supporting businesses looking to increase their international sales, Manx Business is also working with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to increase the value of local produce sold on the Isle of Man. To achieve this, an exclusive ‘Meet the Producer’ event will be held at Douglas Market Hall on 23 September 2024.

The event will provide an opportunity for local food and beverage producers to strengthen their relationships with the island’s retail, restaurant and hospitality businesses. Businesses wishing to participate in the ‘Meet the Producers’ event can contact contact-business@gov.imFood and beverage manufacturers who wish to participate in the exhibition can contact food@gov.im Learn more.