A dedicated website has been created to promote Isle of Man food and drink.

The site – http://iomfoodanddrink.com – has been launched by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

It builds on the success of the printed ‘Guide to Isle of Man Food and Drink’, the fifth edition of which was published this year.

Site visitors can use a map, or search by category, to locate food and drink producers, caterers, cookery schools, farmers markets, farm shops, hamper suppliers etc.

The printed version of the guide is revised every couple of years, but businesses will be able to update their web entries when they need to – ensuring consumers see up-to-date information.

It’s planned to use the site to develop an Isle of Man food and drink ‘trail’ and promote the growing number of food and drink ‘experiences’ that are opening locally.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘Through its Food Matters strategy, the Isle of Man Government intends to grow the value of the food and drink sector by ?50 million over the next decade.

‘The website will contribute to an improved experience for residents and visitors to the Island wishing to better understand the unique story of Isle of Man produce.’

The site also contains details of food-related events run both by DEFA and privately.