The Taste of Kent Awards: 2009

The annual Taste of Kent Awards are looking for the best of the county's food and drink producers and retailers.

Last year, 5,000 votes were cast for 450 companies. This year's poll is now open.

There are 12 categories, ranging from Best Kent Beer to Kent Local Retailer of the Year.

The top three companies in each group will be shortlisted and go before an expert judging panel in January 2010.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Leeds Castle in February 2010.

The categories:

Kent Butcher/Meat Producer of the Year

Butcher or Farmer, selling or producing meat that has spent the majority of its life in Kent

Best Kentish Beer

Beer made from hops predominantly grown in Kent at a brewery based in Kent

Consumers are increasingly tuned into the issue of being able to source quality food and drink 'in season', from local, sustainable sources - in order to sustain local communities and reduce their 'carbon footprint' Julie Monkman, Produced in Kent manager

Best Kentish Wine

Wine made from grapes predominantly grown in Kent at a vineyard based in Kent

Best Kentish Cider or Perry

Cider or Perry produced in Kent made predominantly from apples or pears grown in Kent

Kent Juice Producer of the Year

Producer of fruit juice made from fruit grown in Kent

Kent Local Food Retailer of the Year

Must demonstrate active local sourcing where and when products are available from within Kent

Kent Seafood Retailer of the Year

Must demonstrate active local sourcing where and when products are available from within Kent

Kent Food Product of the Year

Made from primary product that has spent the majority of its life in Kent and/or undergone a value added process over and above re-packaging or re-marketing

Taste of Kent Award 2008 winners celebrate outside Leeds Castle

Kent Food Producer of the Year

Primary product must have spent the majority of its life in Kent and/or undergone a value added process over and above re-packaging or re-marketing

Kent Restaurant of the Year

Must actively use locally sourced products where and when available from within Kent and demonstrate this commitment in menus and marketing

Kent Pub of the Year

Must demonstrate active local sourcing of food and/or drink where and when products are available from within Kent

Kent Farmers' Market of the Year

Voting

You can vote for your favourite at the Taste of Kent Awards website or by using a voting form (available at your nearest farmers' market), or by post to Produced in Kent Ltd, Bourne Grange Stables, Tonbridge Road, Hadlow, Kent TN11 0AU. The closing date is the 3rd January 2010.