High hopes for strategy in 2016

The new head of the Island's Food Matters strategy says he wants the Isle of Man to become a Mecca for lovers of authentic local produce. 

Andrew Lees was appointed Food Business Development Manager a month ago (26 Nov), charged with increasing the value of locally grown and produced food and drink to the Manx economy.

The DEFA initiative has set a target of £50 million growth over the next decade.

Mr Lees says 2015 has been a great year for the strategy, with a host of events promoting Manx produce.

He says the goal next year is to continue marketing a unique Manx offer - for the benefit of producers and consumers: