Last-minute gelato let-down 'not our fault' says DEFA

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has apologised for booting a local food producer out of its Royal show tent at the last moment.

The Gelatory says officials revealed it couldn't be in the tent on Tuesday - just one day before it was due to set up its display at Knockaloe.

In a statement, DEFA says it knew an exclusivity agreement between a sponsor and the Royal Manx Agricultural Show meant nobody else could sell gelato or ice cream at the event.

But the department says it's not its fault the company is effectively banned.