LIVE LOVE LOCAL
PRODUCED IN KENT AND VISIT KENT ARE RUNNING A JOINT CAMPAIGN CALLED SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL THROUGHOUT SUMMER, AUTUMN AND WINTER 2020. CHAMPIONING THE AMAZING PUBS, CAFES AND RESTAURANTS OF KENT, AND THE FOOD AND DRINK SUPPLY CHAIN BEHIND IT.
Never has the phrase ‘going down the local’ been more apt or important. Chief Executive of Produced in Kent Floortje Hoette explains:
“Lockdown has been tough for the Kent hospitality sector, but also for our local independent food and drink producers supplying them, who saw large chunks of their business evaporate overnight,” she said.
“If you buy a pint or enjoy a meal at your local, you also help the grower, the wholesaler and the brewer sustain their business. Buying local supports the rural economy and our Kent community, and if both thrive, our countryside maintains its distinct character and visitors will flock to our beautiful county.”
The campaign calls upon punters to be #Caring- Customers: respectful of social distancing guidelines, protecting others and themselves and, above all, enjoying the experience!
Deirdre Wells, OBE, Chief Executive of Visit Kent has been inspired by the innovative ways businesses have adapted during Lockdown.
“From coming up with all sorts of new ways to ensure that our key workers and those most in need still get a hot meal, to working tirelessly to keep their staff and customers safe, now it’s our turn to support our favourite spots as they start to re-open once again.
Let’s all be #CaringCustomers and head out to discover a new foodie favourite right on our doorstep.”
The Grower
- Provenance Potatoes
Provenance Potatoes are at the heart of Kent’s finest potato growing area. They know exactly who grows every potato they sell, what field they grew them in and even the seed they originated from.
They oversee the washing, grading, packing and delivery of all their potatoes to ensure they reach customers in exactly the way their farmers would want them to. Their customers are made up of retailers and wholesalers (regional and local) to the export, packing and processing markets and their spuds can be found in restaurants all across the county.
The producer
- nightingale cider co.
The Nightingale family has been fruit farming in Tenterden since 1948, making small-batch craft cider since 2009. Their ciders and perries are made from 100% fruit juice and all are gluten-free and vegan.
Sam Nightingale, founder, and cider maker said: “I support this campaign wholeheartedly. It’s so important in the coming months that we are respectful of others, and conscientious of personal boundaries. We can’t wait to share a drink, a yarn and a laugh again in a responsible fashion!’
The wholesaler
- foodari
Foodari supply the food service sector across Southern England, working directly with farmers to shorten the supply chain and get produce from field-to-fork as quickly as possible.
At the start of the pandemic, Foodari created a home delivery service allowing customers to order their produce online.
Jonathan Parker, MD, said: “We have witnessed during lockdown how important the local economy and local supply chains are. Across the sector we have seen challenging times met with resolve and innovation. As the hospitality sector starts to open up the Support Your Local campaign is the ideal way for us all to get behind this key area.”
the restaurant
-frasers
Frasers of Egerton is an award-winning restaurant with rooms, boutique wedding and events venue, located on a 300-acre farm. The restaurant sources ingredients from local artisan producers and suppliers to bring the taste of Kent to the table.
During these difficult times they have acted as a ‘Food Hub’ for the local community, cooking hundreds of afternoon teas and picnics to be enjoyed at home.
Owner Lisa-Jane Fraser said: 'Support Your Local is an amazing initiative, and supporting our local businesses has never been more important'
