Minister Geoffrey Boot says it is the government’s ambition to see Manx meat back on sale in Tesco.

During a Tynwald discussion on measures to support the sale of Manx produce to major retailers, Mr Boot revealed discussions had been taking place between the management of the abattoir and a large retailer.

He did not name the retailer specifically, but Bill Henderson MLC subsequently referred to Tesco.

Mr Boot said: ’Please be assured that as a department we have had high-level contact in the past and it is our ambition to see Manx meat in the store mentioned.

’However, it is a commercial matter and it is one that is needing to be resolved between the meat plant on a commercial basis with the retailer concerned.’

Alan Croly, customer and communications manager for Isle of Man Meats, confirmed: ’As stated in Tynwald we are in discussions with Tesco, and we thank the Minister for the offer of support from him and his department.

’As with all discussions of this type the process is confidential and commercially sensitive so it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage.

’We are always looking to secure new outlets for high-quality Manx meat and add to our network of valued local retailers across the Island, so we will continue to explore opportunities with Tesco and all other reputable retailers.’

Manx meat has not been on sale in Tesco since 2012 when the retailer raised concerns about auditing standards at the Tromode abattoir. Since then, there have been a number of attempts to get it back on the shelves of the Lake Road store.

The issue came up in Tynwald after a question tabled by Bill Shimmins (Middle), who said: ’Many farmers are frustrated that their produce is not stocked in many of the larger retailers on the island.’

Mr Boot, the Minister for the Environment, Food and Agriculture, insisted: ’Manx meat and produce are stocked in major retailers on the island and, in particular, Shoprite, our local supermarket chain, are very keen and do market Manx produce.’

Again, without naming the store directly, he revealed he had met senior managers of the Tesco chain a year ago and the company was keen to source local produce.

He added: ’I think you will find Manx meat in many of the retail shops around the island and there seems to be a resurgence of local butcher shops stocking Manx meat.’

Mr Boot said his department actively supported businesses predominantly used local food by offer food development grants.

He added: ’Eighteen months ago my department also launched the island’s provenance label which now sees nearly 600 products registered to use the label, as well as the butchers’ provenance label which allows the island’s consumers to purchase Manx meat in the knowledge that it has been grown, reared and processed on the island.’

But he was not interested in setting local produce targets for retailers.

’We do not set targets for retailers,’ he said.

’Retailers stock produce because they can sell it at a profit.

’Obviously, we would like retailers to sell 100% Manx when it comes to meat, but there are consumer preferences and the retailers recognise that, and there will always be a situation where the consumers drive the stocking.’

In May 2017, supermarket chain Shoprite said it was ’reluctantly’ increasing the amount of imported fresh meat it sold - claiming there was uncertainty over supplies from the island’s meat plant.

The retailer, which said it had supported the Manx meat industry for more than 40 years, is concerned it can no longer guarantee consistent supply to its customers of local fresh meat.