The search is on to find the best food and drink products in Kent.

Now in their eleventh year, the prestigious Taste of Kent Awards are back and public voting has officially opened to find the county's most outstanding products.

The awards promote a wide range of categories - see the full list below - and are open to all food and drink businesses across Kent.

It provides the public with a unique opportunity to hand pick and vote for their favourite producers, retailers, restaurants, dining pubs and farmers’ markets from across the county.

Stephanie Durling of Produced in Kent, said: “If you have had a good meal in a pub or restaurant or enjoyed some delicious Kentish produce, then show your appreciation and cast your vote.

"The award categories have grown year on year and now feature everything the Garden of England is renowned for.”

Following the public vote, three finalists in each category will go forward to be judged by mystery shoppers and diners or an expert judging panel to find the ultimate ‘food and drink heroes.'

Stephanie added: “Each year we receive more and more votes, with Kent foodies demonstrating great support for local products.

"For the outstanding businesses that win an award, it is an acknowledgement of their status as one of the county’s ‘food and drink heroes’ and a stamp of approval from consumers in Kent.”

The awards presentation dinner will take place in March at the Kent Events Centre at the Kent Showground.

"The award categories have grown year on year and now feature everything the Garden of England is renowned for..." - Stephanie Durling

before the closing date on Friday, January 2.www.tasteofkentawards.co.ukTo cast your vote simply visit

Kent’s producers and manufacturers are also able to submit their products in the self-nominating category the Kent Food Product Category Award.

Drink producers are judged by a separate panel.

In addition to the online voting, voters can pick up a voting form from their nearest farmers’ market or direct from Produced in Kent by calling 01732 853170.

Ten categories are open for public voting this year, including:

• Kent Butcher or Meat Producer of the Year-A retailer selling a good range of Kent produced meat. They will be required to provide evidence of traceability to substantiate this for judging.

• Best Kentish Beer-Beer produced predominantly from hops grown in Kent at a brewery based in Kent.

• Best Kentish Wine-Wine produced from grapes predominantly grown in Kent, Sussex, Essex or Surrey at a winery based in Kent.

• Best Kentish Cider or Perry-Cider or Perry made from apples or pears predominantly grown in Kent at a business based in Kent.

• Best Kent Juice Producer-Producer of fruit juice made from made from fruit predominantly grown in Kent at a business based in Kent.

• Kent Local Food Retailer of the Year-The retailer must sell a wide range of Kent produce/products. They will be required to provide details of the suppliers and product range for judging.

• Kent Fishmonger of the Year-A retailer selling a good range of Kent caught fish. They will be required to provide evidence of traceability to substantiate this for judging.

• Kent Food Producer of the Year-A business that makes a food product using ingredients sourced from Kent where possible.

• Kent Restaurant of the Year-The restaurant must actively use Kent produce and products where and when available and demonstrate this commitment in menus and marketing.

• Kent Dining Pub of the Year-Must actively use produce/products, beer, cider and juices when available from within Kent and demonstrate this commitment in menus & marketing.

• Kent Farmers’ Market of the Year-The market must be a current member of the Kent Farmers’ Market Association (KFMA)