The latest Guide to Isle of Man Food and Drink is expected to be the biggest ever.

An updated guide will be published by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) in spring 2017 and local businesses are invited to submit new entries or update existing entries by December 30th 2016.

The guide forms part of the Isle of Man Government’s Food Matters strategy to promote the growth of the food and drink sector.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘The guide helps residents and visitors locate the wide range of food and drink produced, grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed on the Isle of Man.

‘Through Food Matters, the Government is assisting businesses to start up and expand. Fifty one businesses featured in the first guide, published in 2009. The most recent printed edition, which came out in 2015, had 101 entries. Since then, 58 more businesses have been added to the online version, which we update between publications.

‘This shows the growth we are experiencing in this economically important sector and we expect the 2017 guide will be the biggest yet.’

The Minister continued: ‘For the first time, the 2017 guide will be entirely online, making it more cost-effective to produce and easier to keep updated. However, a helpful flier will direct people to it.’

The guide will have sections for cakes, pies, puddings and bread; dairy; drinks; eggs; game; hampers; honey; ice cream; jams and preserves; meat and poultry; oil; seafood; sweet treats; vegetables, herbs and fruit; sheepskin and wool.

It will help consumers find the best places to purchase local produce including supermarkets, farmers’ markets and farm shops, bakeries, butchers, shows and festivals.

Entries from Isle of Man Meats, Isle of Man Creamery and Laxey Glen Mills, plus eateries which have gained Taste and Harvest Isle of Man accreditation and businesses with Great Taste Awards, will complete a one-stop shop for anyone interested in local food and drink.

The guide can be found at www.gov.im/foodanddrink. 

To add or update an entry, download an application form from the website or collect one from DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St Johns, IM4 3AS.

For queries about eligibilty for the guide, ring Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer for DEFA, on 01624 685856.