The cost of food and drink exporters from the Isle of Man showcasing their products at an event in London next year will be subsidised by the Government.

Business Isle of Man, which is part of the Department for Enterprise, will provide up to half of the stand space for exporters at the International Food Event from 17 to 19 March.

The event is an annual trade fair with food and drink stalls from around the world. This year the event generated over £600,000 worth of business for Manx exporters.

Business Minister Tim Johnston said the food and drink industry played an “important role” in the government’s efforts to “protect, promote and develop export sectors”.

There is a “real opportunity to bring food and drink from the Isle of Man to menus around the world” and “great potential for future growth,” he said.

The support was made available to members of the Food and Drink Export Development, which was established by the business agency in June 2023 and has 13 members.

Business Isle of Man has jointly funded the costs of exhibiting at this year’s event for Manx companies Isle of Man Creamery, Fynoderee Distillery, Outlier Distilling Company and Okell’s Brewery.

Findlay Macleod, the dairy’s managing director, said the 2024 event had helped the company secure orders and there was “huge interest in the island and the food and drink we produce”.

Okell’s Brewery and Fynoderee Distillery have confirmed that they will return to the event in 2025.