As food provenance becomes increasingly important for customers around the world, Manx produce will stand out from the crowd thanks to a new food label launched.
The provenance label, featuring the outline of the Isle of Man and the Three Legs of Mann, tells shoppers that the produce is Manx and buying it supports the local economy.
Versions of the label would distinguish between products whose ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed on the Island (‘Product of Isle of Man’) and those with some imported content that’s then turned into the finished product locally (‘Made in Isle of Man’).
The label’s creation is a major milestone in the delivery of the Food Matters strategy, which aims to grow the Isle of Man’s food and drink sector by £50 million over a decade.
The Island is famous for food including queen scallops, Manx cheese, kippers and the native Loaghtan lamb; produce that is exported and famed around the world.
Jewel of the Irish sea
The Isle of Man Government has helped encouraged entrepreneurship, innovation and market focus through its grants systems.
As a result, new and artisan businesses are sprouting on the Island, and in 2016 13 Manx businesses won 28 Great Taste Awards – making the Isle of Man the highest achieving region of the British Isles per capita.
Furthermore, in 2016 the Isle of Man became the only nation to be awarded UNESCO status as a world biosphere region, in part for the acknowledgement of its care, cultivation and conservation of farmland, fertile northern and southern plains, sea, native species, flora and fauna.
Isle of Man Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK launched the label at an event attended by representatives of the food and drink and hospitality sectors.
He said: "From traditional produce that’s been around for generations, and for which the Island is known, to new and artisan brands, Isle of Man food and drink is flourishing. Growth in food and drink is creating jobs, giving consumers greater choice and boosting our reputation as a special place to live, work and visit.
"This label will play a major part in helping shoppers to support local businesses and the economy."
