Prime Minister David Cameron can look forward to enjoying the delicious tastes of Kent on his return from the United States.

A hamper of the finest food and drink from the Garden of England was left for the PM to sample in 10 Downing Street after he missed a showcase of Kentish produce in the House of Commerce to be with US President Barack Obama.

Produced in Kent, the promotion agency, and a dozen producers took their wares to Westminster yesterday to impress MPs and others with what they have to offer.
The all-day event, hosted by Gareth Johnson, MP for Dartford, attracted Kent MPs, MPs from other areas, peers from the House of Lords, and officials. Hundreds of visitors enjoyed tantalising tastings from the garden county.

Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald, and Under-Secretary for Women’s and Equalities issues, expressed her strong support for the display and the strengths of Kentish food and drink.

Sir Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, also visited the stand, along with Kent county councillor Andrew Wickham. Visit Kent, the Canterbury-based tourism promotion organisation, joined the event, emphasising the county’s visitor attractions and underlining the importance of close links between food and tourism.

Ed Martin, manager for Produced In Kent, said the event was a wonderful showcase for Kent and reinforced the great strength and quality of Kent produce in the heart of the capital.

“The quality of the local produce in Kent is a huge tribute to the county and a valuable contributor to the regional economy,” he said.

“In the absence of the Prime Minister, a gift of local produce was left for him along with a letter from Produced In Kent requesting his vocal support that more local produce find its way into the national food chain.”