Wightlink has been recognised for promoting and selling Isle of Wight food and drink with the award of a prestigious Gold Wight Marque by the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society.
The Wight Marque scheme is aimed at increasing the profile of the Island as a leading destination for lovers of good food and highlighting companies who promote local produce.
Over the last 2 years, Wightlink has increased its offering of Island food and drink. It now includes cakes from Calbourne Classics, pickles etc from The Garlic Farm, Mermaid Gin and several ales, sold through the company’s Wight Taste outlets on ships and in ports.
The Gold Wight Marque was presented to Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield by the Society’s Vice-Chairman Graham Biss during an event to sample Island produce. It happened on board a busy sailing between Fishbourne and Portsmouth on Wightlink’s flagship St Clare on Friday (1st June). Former manager Sean Millward who launched the initiative returned from retirement to be there.
More than 20 Island producers and suppliers including Briddlesford Farm Dairy, Wight Crystal water, Grace’s Bakery, Medina Foodservice and Isle of Wight Biscuits offered tastings at the event.
Keith Greenfield said:
“We are delighted to introduce our customers to top quality Island produce by selling it on board. We have established strong links with our Island partners and hope to develop them still further in future.”
Graham Biss adds:
“This event was a wonderful celebration of high quality Island food and drink and we are grateful for Wightlink’s generous support of our farmers, bakers, brewers and other producers. Ferry customers told me they were very impressed with everything they sampled.”
