Shoprite and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will be hosting an introduction to the food industry aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to develop local food products.
The event is being held at Noa Bakehouse in Douglas on Friday, April 15 from 4pm to 6pm.
It is an opportunity for aspiring local producers to meet leading industry representatives from the island’s food industry who can advise on the most relevant aspects of establishing, running and operating a food business in the island.
Local industry retail experts will be on hand to advise producers on the key elements of product development that can lead to a listing by a multiple store food retailer.
Representatives from Shoprite will give a brief introduction to securing a listing with the Manx food retailer as well as outlining their buying policy. Other subjects that will be covered include ‘How to Pitch’, ‘Plan Production’, ‘Manage Availability’, ‘How to Maintain a Profit’, ‘Packaging’, ‘How to Bring a New Product to Life’ and ‘Local Market Economic Importance.’
Attendees will also have the opportunity to discuss applications for Shoprite’s Startisan competition, which offers a guaranteed Shoprite listing, operational marketing support, advice on packaging and product development and six months rent free in one of Isle of Man Enterprises Village Walk retail units.
Other industry experts who will be on hand to meet the aspiring entrepreneurs include Department of Economic Development staff who can advise on grants and marketing courses, as well as PR, marketing and digital experts.
Specialists in environmental health and transportation will also be attending on the day.
Andrew Thomas, chief executive, Shoprite, said: ‘The idea behind the day is to give aspiring food producers, and people who have already begun developing or retailing a product, the opportunity to meet the key influencers in the local retail market, gain valuable advice and input from experts and meet and network with successful local food producers.’
He added: ‘Having strong local food producers not only provides the island with long term food security, and the benefits of traceability, but also can provide a real boost to the local economy by replacing imported goods and ensuring that the fiscal benefits of a strong local food market remain on the island.’
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said: ‘Our Food Matters strategy identifies the importance of local food producers and we are hoping that this event will encourage food producers to take advantage of the opportunity and support that is available on the Isle of Man.’