Hythe Life_Spring_2022.qxp_Layout 1 27/04/2022 10:57 Page 36
by Jo Gurr
The Stars of the Kent Foodie Scene are Revealed:
The Taste of Kent Awards Announce the Finalists for 2022 After a flurry of last-minute votes, public voting for the Taste of Kent Awards is now closed. Produced in Kent is delighted to reveal the finalists for 2022, featuring both well-established businesses and new, green companies. The votes are in…. • Public voting once again exceeded expectations, with over 30,000 votes cast in the various food and drink categories. • Voting in the hospitality categories increased by 11% this year, proving that since the start of Covid-19 the public have a new found appreciation for local restaurants and pubs. • In the self-nominated categories, the Farmer of the Year award had an notable increase in applications, and both new categories - New Food and Drink Product and Food and Drink Start-up of the Year – saw strong applications. CE of Produced in Kent Floortje Hoette is delighted with the public outpouring of support “The Taste of Kent Awards are proof that the general public LOVES local food and drink and wants to support the businesses involved, which gives our sector the boost it so deserves in these ongoing challenging times. From the increase in votes in certain categories we can see that support for local pubs and restaurants is at an all time high after a very challenging period for hospitality. There's also a real sense that Kent's entrepreneurial spirit is still going strong with a brilliant response to our new product and start-up
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categories. I am incredibly proud of the finalists and know the judges will have a hard time choosing who will go home with an award!” Awards Ceremony The three finalists in each category will now enter the final stage of the competition. They will be scrutinised by a carefully selected group of judges – industry experts and sponsors - who will decide which businesses are to be crowned winners at the awards ceremony on Thursday 12th of May at the Kent Event Centre, Detling. Tickets for the much anticipated black-tie dinner ceremony will be on sale to the general public from Monday 21 March onwards. Tickets are limited, so if you need a glamourous night out at a fabulous event, an opportunity to mingle with the great and the good from Kent’s local independent food and drink community, whilst also enjoying a fabulous 3-course menu served by The Curious Eatery, make sure to book your tickets as soon as possible! Follow Produced in Kent for updates on ticket sales and more info about the finalists. The awards are made possible because of the generous support of TOKA’s loyal sponsors, and
in particular head sponsors Southeastern Rail and the University of Greenwich. Nazanin Zand, Associate professor of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Greenwich said “As consumers we are thinking more carefully about what we eat and where our food comes from. The University is keen to support the local independent food industry because of the role they play in a healthy and more sustainable diet.’ Sustainability will be a leading theme in the 2022 edition of the TOKA magazine. Following the success of last year, the magazine will again be produced in time for the dinner event, celebrating the finalists and winners and sharing the stories of the businesses and products. Also included, will be detailed recipes and fabulous food hacks utilising the winning products. In the dedicated sustainability section, the magazine will showcase the ways in which TOKA businesses are looking after our planet and embracing sustainability.
