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Producers from the Isle of Man are proud to raise awareness of our unique food and drink products at the UK’s largest International Food and Drink Event (IFE, London) from 25-27 March 2024, with the support of Isle of Man Business.
In an initiative co-funded by the Isle of Man Business Association, four of the Isle of Man’s leading food and drink producers exhibited at IFE London, with award-winning breweries Fynoderee and Outlier exhibiting alongside Okell’s Brewery on a shared ‘Manx Drinks’ stand, and the Isle of Man Creamery exhibiting in the Cheese Pavilion. They attracted interest from a range of international buyers and thought leaders, and engaged in productive conversations with IFE’s 27,000 visitors.
In addition to attending IFE, Isle of Man Business hosted an evening for more than 80 high-profile buyers, journalists, chefs and influencers to showcase food and drink from the Isle of Man, the world’s only complete national biosphere.
The four exhibitors were joined by Island Seafare, Isle of Man Meats, Davison’s Ice Cream and Isle of Man Salt Co, who presented their product ranges, value and unique selling points. A highlight of the evening was a bespoke Isle of Man food and drink menu, created using quality ingredients from local producers, bringing the flavour of our island to London.
Minister for Enterprise Tim Johnston MHK welcomed attendees and toured the IFE’s manufacturers, commenting:
“The Isle of Man’s representation at IFE and the Evening Show provides a fantastic platform for Manx food and drink exporters. We are very pleased to welcome so many high profile guests to our Evening Show and the level of interest in the Isle of Man and Manx products is exciting and encouraging for the businesses taking part.”
Ollie Neale, Isle of Man Business Board Member and Managing Director of Okell’s Brewery and H&B Wholesale Ltd, commented:
“The Food and Drink Export Development Group has taken the first step towards increasing exports by attending IFE. We have worked together and pooled our resources to create a presence that could not be achieved by a single exhibitor. Our strength as an industry is the ability to share costs, ideas and platforms. I am pleased to say that IFE was a fantastic show, showcasing the unique community spirit that all businesses on the Isle of Man have in supporting each other.
“It’s also a proud moment for Okell’s Brewery as our alcohol-free pale ale, Zero, has won the Best Low/No Product award at the 2024 World Food Innovation Awards, announced at IFE in London on March 25.”
Findlay Macleod, Member of the Isle of Man Business Board and Managing Director of the Isle of Man Creamery, commented:
“Off-island sales remain a significant part of the annual revenue for Isle of Man Creameries and it is strategic to grow these sales. As the largest event of its kind in the UK, IFE provides us with the opportunity to raise awareness of the unique, premium products we offer and build relationships that have the potential to be hugely rewarding.
“Our goal is to expand exports of food and beverages and the extensive feedback our business has received and the relationships built through these two initiatives will greatly contribute to this growth.”
On Tuesday (March 26), a new Tesco store also opened on Victoria Road, stocking a wide range of locally produced goods. Isle of Man Business has worked closely with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to help secure a financial support package for producers seeking to obtain the health and safety certifications required by Tesco and similar large retailers. We are confident that the range of locally produced food and drink available in local Tesco stores will continue to increase in the coming months.
The exhibition, along with the success of the Isle of Man Menu Competition, the winners of which will be announced next week, caps an encouraging month for the industry.
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