DEFA issues apology to local company barred from attending Royal Manx

"It's just unfortunate", says DEFA boss

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has apologised after a local company was told it can no longer attend the Royal Show.

It's due to a discrepancy in the contracts which prevented Gelatory attending due to an exclusivity deal the show has with another vendor.

The company has described the news as "a shame" following the cancellation of the Food and Drink Festival, and having already prepared its products for the event.

DEFA Chief Officer Scott Gallacher says the situation is 'unfortunate and regrettable':

In a statement, the government department has told Manx Radio:

"The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) offers its apologies to those affected by our actions taken in relation to the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.  DEFA remains committed to promoting Manx food and drink and to supporting local producers, who play a vital role in our Island's economy.

"The Royal Manx Agricultural Show is a privately run event and an important one in the Manx food and drink calendar. DEFA applies to have a presence at the Show like any other exhibitor, and has a duty to comply with the conditions set out by the organiser, with 20 such exhibitors currently operating within our marquee.

"While DEFA openly welcomes all local food and drink producers to exhibit, the Department was aware that due to an exclusivity agreement between the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and a sponsor, it would not be possible to exhibit or sell ice cream or gelato without prior approval from the organising committee.  This has meant that we are unable to accommodate Gelatory, or other ice cream/gelato producers in the DEFA marquee.

"Although not our decision, we know how incredibly disappointing and frustrating this will be for Rory and the whole Gelatory team, as well as other producers affected by this, and we offer our sincere and wholehearted apologies for the delay in communicating this position.

"The Royal Manx Agricultural show is a brilliant event, run by many dedicated volunteers. Events of this scale are rarely financially viable without sponsorship and those organisations which provide this vital financial backing are to be commended for doing so.

"The community’s ongoing support for the Island’s food, drink and agricultural sectors – a vital part of our economy and heritage – is greatly appreciated and we hope people flock to the Royal Show in their usual numbers and help to make this year’s event a success.

"The Department will continue to reflect on how it can best improve support and promotion of the Island’s food and drink producers year-round."