The most comprehensive guide yet to Isle of Man food and drink is published today (Monday).

Food Matters: Your Guide to Isle of Man Food and Drink was launched at an event at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) at St John’s.

The guide – the fifth – has sections on bakers/flour, dairy, drinks, eggs, farm shops, farmers’ markets, hampers, honey, ice cream, jams/sauces, meat and poultry, seafood, stores and supermarkets, sweet treats, wools and other products.

It also boasts sections on eating out, cookery schools and caterers, all of whom use Manx produce.

It features a calendar of food and drink-related events, a seasonal guide to local produce and key contacts. It also lists those who have gained Harvest accreditation from the Department of Economic Development, which recognises members for making good use of local produce in menus.

For the first time, the guide has a section on businesses that welcome visitors behind the scenes.

The guide supports Food Matters, DEFA’s strategy to grow the sector by ?50 million over the next decade.

Businesses new to the guide were at the launch to share their stories with Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The Minister said: ‘As we grow our economy, encouraging locals to buy Manx produce, visitors to sample it and spread the word and businesses to grow exports will all be vital.

‘There is a real buzz around Isle of Man food and drink, with new businesses springing up and existing businesses diversifying to make the most of the demand for good quality Manx produce.

‘This guide brings everyone involved in Isle of Man food and drink into one attractive and easy to read publication.’

The guide is available online at www.gov.im/foodanddrink, at DEFA, at the Manx Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and at the Southern Agricultural Show and Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

To obtain copies, email Audrey.Fowler@gov.im or ring 01624 685856.

‘I would encourage hoteliers, guest house and B&B operators and anyone offering Homestay to have copies of the guide for visitors so they know where to go to get a true taste of the Isle of Man,’ the Minister said.

Three businesses that feature in the guide for the first time – Betty the Food Trailer, Coffee Mann and Flo the Coffee Van – served refreshments at the launch.