The winners of Produced in Kent's Taste of Kent Awards 2021 have been revealed in its first-ever virtual ceremony.

Now in its 17th year, the event aims to showcase the best of the county's food and drink producers across a range of categories.

Explains chief executive of Produced in Kent, Floortje Hoette: "In the past year, our local independent food and drink industry has proven its pivotal role in our rural economy.

“Providing jobs, looking after the countryside, being an advocate for sustainable practices, continuing to grow, make, sell and serve the best food and drink to residents and visitors under very challenging circumstances whilst giving back to the community.

“The pandemic has created momentum for the local independent food and drink sector – the public wants to know where its food and drink is coming from and how it has been produced."

Public voting began in January, with the finalists revealed in March. Voting saw a 300% increase compared to last year.

This year's winners in the categories voted for by the public then judged by experts were:

Kent Ambient Product of the Year

Ketchup Smoké by Brisket and Barrel, Sevenoaks

Kent Bakery and Confectionery Product of the Year

Chocolate Brownies by Beardy Baker, Canterbury

Kent Beer of the Year

Session Pale Ale by Cellar Head Brewing Co, Flimwell

Kent Cider of the Year

DISCO by Dudda's Tun Cider, Doddington, Sittingbourne

Kent Dairy Product of the Year

Free Range Double Cream by Street Farm Dairy, High Halden, Ashford

Kent Food Retailer of the Year

Foodari Home Delivery, Molash, near Canterbury

Kent Hospitality Business of the Year

Cafe Nucleus Rochester

Kent Non-Alcoholic Drink of the Year

Maypole Blend Coffee by Garage Coffee, Hoath, near Canterbury

Kent Prepared Food Product of the Year

Scottish Smoked Salmon by Tankerton Smokeshed

Kent Spirit of the Year

George Bishop London Dry Gin by the Maidstone Distillery

Finalists: Anno Distillery’s Anno Kent Dry Gin and Copper Rivet’s Dockyard Gin both highly

commended

Kent Wine of the Year

Herbert Hall Brut Sparkling Wine by Herbert Hall Winery, Marden

Kent Food Product of the Year (the overall winner of the food product categories)

Scottish Smoked Salmon by Tankerton Smokeshed

Winners in the self-nominated categories are...

Kent Diversification Award

Foodari, Molash, near Canterbury

Finalists The Meatball Company and Wildbox both highly commended

Kent Food and Drink Business of the Year

Café Nucleus, Rochester

Kent Grower of the Year

Eckley Farms, Staplehurst

Kent Sustainable Food and Drink Award

Goupie, Tunbridge Wells

The Kent Community Award Legends are...

Emma Barnes from Emma’s Kitchen, East Peckham

Paul & Rani Babra from Karara, Faversham/Canterbury

Eli and Heather Thompson from Olbys Soul Café, Margate

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