The Story of Isle of Man Food & Drink stretching back to the 1800s has been turned into an educational display and leaflet.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has created the display based on a report on food and drink’s role in the culture of the Island, compiled by the Centre for Manx Studies several years ago.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘The population has always made the most of the Island’s natural resources for sustenance. The display begins there, charting the growth of exports and, more recently, the artisanal products the Island is becoming known for.

‘The story is brought right up to date with food and drink’s contribution to the Manx economy as we strive to grow its value by ?50 million over the next decade.’

The Story of Isle of Man Food & Drink will go on display in the Manx produce marquee at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show at Knockaloe Farm, Patrick, on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August.

The Minister said: ‘We are delighted that there will be more producers in the marquee than ever before, which is a reflection of the momentum that exists in the Isle of Man food and drink sector.’

The display will also be at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival at the Villa Marina Gardens on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September.

The leaflet, plus the original Centre for Manx Studies report, can be found at www.gov.im/foodanddrink.