The opportunity to be associated with the best of Kent’s food and drink industry is now open to businesses and organisations from across the county, with planning for the Taste of Kent Awards (TOKA 2024) well underway.
Eight companies are already sponsoring next year’s awards – the University of Kent, which is once again providing the venue for the awards ceremony and food festival; head sponsor Southeastern; judging location sponsor Jestic Food Service; and category sponsors Shepherd Neame, EKC Group, Southern Co-op, Oxbury and GrowUp Farms.
Just a handful of category sponsorships are available, and Produced in Kent, which manages and organises TOKA, is encouraging potential businesses to come forward.
Produced in Kent CEO Floortje Hoette said: “Over 19 years, the awards have become a fantastic platform to showcase the tastiest food and drink we produce here in Kent, and the hardworking businesses behind it.
“Sponsoring the awards is a great opportunity for companies to get involved with the local food and drink community, whilst associating with the very finest produce, and showing support for a sector that contributes so much to our local economy, employment, the countryside and a greener future. I thank all returning and new sponsors for their continuing support.”
Nikki Causer, head of marketing at Southeastern, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the awards for the 4th year running. Their support for the many wonderful local food and drink producers around the county is something that is close to our hearts.
“It’s important to Southeastern to support local economies, encouraging our customers to travel sustainably by train around Kent and discover, taste and buy the huge variety of delicious food and drink.”
Tim Burrows, operations manager – catering, University of Kent, said: “We are delighted to be the venue sponsor of the Taste of Kent Awards 2024 and to welcome attendees to the most prestigious food and drink awards in the South East.
“At Kent, we stand for ambition and we cannot wait to celebrate the ambition of all the nominees at this year’s awards.
“The Gulbenkian Arts Centre provides the perfect innovative and engaging location to showcase not only the talent of those nominated but also our own Kentish delights inspired by the Garden of England.”
Open to any food and drink business located in Kent and Medway, the awards have been running for nearly twenty years – making them the longest running, and most prestigious food and drink awards in the South East.
Entrants do not have to be members of Produced in Kent. Nominations are open to all, with all awards categories being self-nominated.
Entries open in January 2024 and the culmination is a full day of celebrations on 13 June, starting with the TOKA Food & Drink Festival – a chance for the public to come and sample and purchase finalist’s products. The awards are announced in the evening at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre with plenty of networking opportunities.
Throughout the awards process, there is ample opportunity for sponsors to engage with food and drink businesses and with key stakeholders in the sector.
If you’d like to find out more about sponsorship, get in touch with Floortje via email at floortje.hoette@producedinkent.co.uk.
