The I Love Manx campaign has published a brand new edition of the Guide to Isle of Man Food & Drink.  Packed with information on the Isle of Man’s many food producers and their wide range of quality produce, the Guide is THE way to locate that special celebration cake, locally milled flour, the freshest vegetables and many other delicious products.
 
The Guide is now available from the Welcome Centre, Douglas, DEFA at Thie Slieau Whallian, St Johns, many of the producers featured in the publication, Shoprite and at events such as the agricultural shows and the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival in September. It can also be downloaded from http://www.gov.im/defa/food_and-farming/food.xml.
 
DEFA Minister, Phil Gawne MHK said: “ it is very encouraging to see how this Guide has changed over the years, with more and more producers and products becoming available. I note that we now have a source of goat meat and tofu as well as a new artisan bakery and locally made pies using Manx meat plus all of our well known local products from shellfish to honey, meat and dairy and much more. Concerns about what is actually in our food were highlighted by the recent horsemeat scandal but in the isle of Man, there is excellent traceablility for our meat, dairy and milling wheat because producers are members of Farm Assurance schemes. The new Guide enables consumers to talk to and meet producers directly and they will be delighted to answer any queries about their products.   I hope that everyone will enjoy reading the Guide and using it to find their favourite local food and drink products – or to try some new ones”.
 

President of MNFU, Ray Craine said: “ the agricultural and fisheries industries on the Isle of Man  produce high quality products of which we can all be proud. It is very pleasing to note the increase in number and variety of products on offer and I can highly recommend this publication as the way for you to discover them.  In this time of recession, it is especially important to support local producers – and you will be rewarded with fresh quality produce which tastes wonderful.  I hope that you find the Guide both useful and informative”.