Top Isle of Wight Food Producers

Whether you’re a foodie on a mission to discover something new, or you just want to get your hands on some honest good-quality produce, the Isle of Wight hard to beat.

The island is proud of its exceptional food – and so it should be. I’m not exactly sure what makes the produce taste so good. But I’ve a feeling the sunshine, fertile soil, and sea air somehow conspire together to make some magic.

You’ll find scores of small food-related businesses on the island – some run by the same families for generations, others newer ventures from entrepreneuring locals. Here are a few of my favourites to get you started – and there are plenty more waiting to be discovered too.

And if you’re reading this stuck at home on a grey day far away from the island, don’t despair! Some businesses will deliver to your home on the mainland too – check their websites for details.

Why not pair this article with my lists of favourite produce shops and top island tipples to build the perfect itinerary for your next foodie adventure? Bon appétit!

Nunwell Farm

From steak to roasting joints and burgers to mince, Nunwell Farm is one of my go-to spots for quality local meat. Their pasture-raised beef and pork are the real deal and they sell tender, local grass-fed lamb too.

Or try their range of homemade frozen ready meals, from beef stroganoff to tasty curries. I also can’t resist the sausages (try the merguez or spiced lamb).

You can buy instore at their farm shop near Brading or order online.

Isle of Wight Deer Farm

Did you know the island has its very own deer farm? Just outside Newport, it features more than 200 red and fallow deer, all farmed using bio-friendly methods.

Venison is naturally lean and surprisingly versatile, and it’s produced here in many forms from juicy burgers and mince to steaks, joints and haunches. I made a casserole with the diced meat recently, and let’s just say there were no leftovers. Just try not to think of Bambi while cooking, and you’ll be fine.

To purchase, either head to DW Jarvis traditional family butchers at the top of Ryde High Street, or taste it from the menu at the excellent Basque Kitchen in Ventnor and Prickly Pear Kitchen in Cowes.

Isle of Wight Meat Co

The family-run Cheverton Farm near Shorwell raises happy outdoor cattle, sheep, pigs and game – and they even dry-age their meat in their own Himalayan salt chamber.

There’s a wide range of beef, lamb, pork and chicken products on offer. They also sell popular meat boxes and have a great BBQ selection which includes kebabs (like Jerk, Thai, and ginger, lemon & chilli), sausages and burgers (try the lamb and mint!)

Use their click and collect option, or purchase in person at the farm shop.

The Wight Smoke

The island can be very grateful that Jarek has brought his expertise of traditional Polish smoking techniques over here, as he’s managed to create something rather special and a little bit different. I can highly recommend the traditional smoked sausage from The Wight Smoke; smoked pork belly, and smoked cheese. Come summer, the packs of smaller sausages make perfect hot dogs too.

You’ll find Jarek at events and festivals in season, or you can order online.

Isle of Wight Cheese Company

These legends have been making award-winning cheese from their herd of Guernsey and Jersey cows for more than 20 years now.

Officially my favourite blue cheese, Isle of Wight Blue is soft and unusually mild – in fact, it’s so good that it even converts the blue cheese sceptics in my experience. Or try their deliciously gooey Isle of Wight Soft which goes down well with everyone, or their new Borthwood if you’re a truffle fan.

Widely available across the island (and beyond). There’s a handy list of stockists on their website.

Briddlesford Farm

140 Guernsey cows are behind the success of this local gem. A dairy farm that’s been going strong for over a century, today it produces a wide range of milk, cream, butter, and farmhouse cheeses.

I’m especially fond of their milkshakes (I reckon the banana and salted caramel flavours must have something addictive added to them). Their cheeses are top-notch too: I like the Gouda and Briddlesford Red or try the ‘Fetter’ cheese for something different.

They have a great farm shop near Wootton selling a wide range of local produce that’s well worth visiting, or search for local stockists on their website.

Isle of Wight Tomatoes

Let’s settle this once and for all: Isle of Wight tomatoes are the best in Britain. More than 40 varieties are grown each year at the nursery near Arreton, and the sweetness and depth of flavour are incredible.

I especially love their colourful cherry tomato mix — perfect paired with a good island cheese (or just straight from the bag, frankly). They produce an excellent range of condiments and cooking sauces too, and I usually have their ketchups (try the green tomato one for something different) in the fridge. Or if tomatoes aren’t your thing, why not try their cucumbers and sweet or Padron peppers?

Buy online or in many shops on the island (and beyond).

Godshill Orchards

When summer arrives, the trees at Godshill Orchards burst with flavour. Best known for their juicy cherries (they have 4,000 trees and 20 varieties), I also love the tangy apricots. There are plums, greengages, apples, and even pumpkins too – along with a selection of chutneys, jams, and juices.

My favourite spot to stock up is their cute self-service cabin in Godshill (beside The Griffin pub) – but you’ll also find their products in greengrocers and farm shops around the island.

Living Larder

If you’re self-catering during your stay on the island, why not treat yourself to a delivery from this family farm? All their produce is organi and it’s picked fantastically fresh on the day you receive it. You can choose different sizes of box, with both vegetable and fruit options available.

Visit the website to purchase a box and check the delivery day for your area.

The Fruit Bowl

What could be nicer than jam made with fruits and berries from the island’s fields?

Using home-grown fruit from their Newchurch orchards, The Fruit Bowl combines traditional jam-making techniques with modern green technology to produce a range of 100% natural, handmade jams. My favourite is the Gooseberry & Elderflower — tangy, juicy, and packed with gooseberries — and their Loganberry & Tayberry is another winner for us.

You’ll find their jams in independent shops across the island.

Crave

I always wonder if I’ve stepped into a time machine when I visit this magical little Victorian ice cream parlour, where husband and wife duo Chris and Tracy create a mind-boggling variety of flavours onsite each day.

I love that there’s always a new flavour to try. On a typical day you might find anything from local Mermaid Rum & Raisin to Turkish Delight, and Spiced Pear Crumble to Rhubarb Ripple. Many are gluten-free, with vegan and dairy-free options available.

Purchase instore at the friendly shop.

Minghella

The Minghella family have been making traditional Italian-style ice cream from Isle of Wight cows for more than 70 years now.

My personal weakness is the Oriental Ginger & Honey – it’s a longstanding family favourite. Or for something adventurous, try the Black Garlic — chocolate ice cream with a subtle garlicky twist that somehow works beautifully against the odds!

Look out for Minghella in island shops and ice cream kiosks.

Slab Artisan Fudge

This family-run business has a sense of adventure and makes small-batch artisan fudge by hand.

With around 30 permanent flavours plus regular limited editions (and vegan and dairy-free options), there’s something for everyone. Perhaps start with the Salted Caramel, Rum & Raisin or Bis Scoff, but get your hands on some Dark Destroyer if you can – it’s a genius mix of chilli and garlic flavours!

Purchase online, or in person from their unit in East Cowes.