Do you buy Manx meat?

Discussions are taking place to introduce locally-produced meat to Tesco fridges again.

This month Food Minister Geoffrey Boot announced that talks had been taking place on measures to support the sale of Manx produce to major retailers.

We visited Strand Street in Douglas to ask people what they thought of this news and whether they go out of their way during their weekly shops to buy Manx meat for their meals.

’We have Manx meat delivered to us from the butchers in Andreas,’ said Susan Exley, 62, from Peel.

’We like the meat that they sell and it’s convenient to deliver to us and they are a very good service.

’I go to Tesco and other stores for other things, but not meat.’

She believes buying locally produced meat benefits the island’s economy.

Saddlestone couple Niall and Elaine McCormick, both aged 61, don’t go out of their way to specifically buy Manx meat. ’It’s just convenience,’ said Niall.

’It’s not in the main shops. In the week we buy meat from the Spar shop and it’s probably Manx meat.

’I’ve never really looked to see if they have any.’

Elaine added that she has been to Anagh Coar butchers before.

Both think it would ’definitely’ be a good idea to have Manx meat in Tesco.

’They should support local butchers,’ Elaine said.

Jackie Bartlett, from Willaston, said: ’I buy local meat from the Willaston butcher, Tommy. He’s very good and has a lot of people as he’s been there for years.

’Why would I go anywhere else when I enjoy his meat?

’I always go down there to get fresh meat. I see them making it so I know it’s fresh.’

When asked what she purchases, she replied: ’Sausages, steak, chops, I have the whole lot. Especially the burgers, I prefer fresh ones to frozen.

’It’s to support the island. I’m Manx and I’m proud of it.

’If I’m down at Tesco and I need meat - and I know Tommy’s shut - I could use that.’

Douglas resident, Tom Gardener, 20, said he and his family don’t really buy Manx meat as it’s mostly from Tesco and other supermarkets.

’I think it’s price. Which is the main deal.’ he said.

’Whenever I go to my girlfriend’s I think their meat tastes better.

’They get it from W.E. Teare butchers in Ramsey.’

He added that although he does not buy Manx meat, he does ’see it as important to support local’.

Cath and Ken Skinner, aged 67 and 71 respectively, think having meat supplied to Tesco would be a good idea.

’They have Manx cheese, just not the meat,’ Cath said, who lives in Port Erin with her husband. ’It would be good to see Manx meat in Tesco.

’They haven’t had it there for years.

Both use their local butcher as they think it’s important to support them.

’We buy Manx meat from the butchers at Mal’s in Port Erin,’ said Cath. ’You know what you’re getting when you go to the butchers.’

Ken continued: ’We just like the meat and the butcher is very friendly. I go to Shoprite but then go to the butcher. ’

Cath added: ’Sometimes if we’re in Castletown we go to Radcliffe’s.’