Produce is at the heart of everything we do, Produced in Kent is a trade organisation dedicated to supporting & promoting all types of food, drink and craft businesses in Kent.
We provide vital support to a diverse range of businesses which in turn provide valuable employment opportunities in Kent and are at the economic heart of our rural communities.
Produced in Kent is a strong, widely recognised brand, benefiting and promoting its membership businesses. It provides business support, advice and sales opportunities.
Our role is to promote local and seasonal produce and provide support and services to our Members.
This is underpinned by our core values:
- A commitment to quality and provenance
- Respect and trust for one another
- Driving sector innovation and expertise
- Supporting commerciality
We are governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from Kent County Council and Produced in Kent membership. Board meetings are held quarterly.
Minimising your carbon footprint, being good global citizens and giving back to the community – we are here to help you achieve these goals.
As an organisation representing the local independent food and drink sector in Kent, sustainability is at the core of our mission. We want to be a driver of sustainable development in the county, showcasing the fantastic initiatives undertaken by our members in the area of operational sustainability, and encouraging other members
to follow their example.
Our sustainability pledge sets out our organisation’s commitment and that of our members towards environmental, social and economic sustainability.
We acknowledge that we are not perfect, but we are committed to make the transition to a responsible organisation and create a better and greener future for the next generation.
We are a dedicated team with a wide range of experience. We also draw on the expertise of our board, the membership and wider Kent connections to offer you advice and support. We are enthusiastic about helping businesses achieve their potential and share a real passion and interest in all things Kentish. We love where we live and look forward to working with anyone who does too!
Floortje joined Produced in Kent in January 2020 from Kent Business School, University of Kent, where she was responsible for business relations, partnership building and event management. Prior to this appointment, Floortje has worked in a variety of management roles in the humanitarian and creative sector in her native country of Holland, Africa and Asia.
Jill joined Produced in Kent in February 2006 and is responsible for all aspects of the membership experience from recruitment to renewal and everything in between!
Jo has overall responsibility for the website, bulletins, publications & social media. Originally she joined part-time in 2013 whilst operating her own business providing admin & media support to rural businesses - which utilised her experience in agriculture and desktop publishing.
Our board of directors is made up of experienced business people from the food & drink industry in the county.
Chairperson of the Member Group. Family business owner who supports businesses working together.
Experienced director and CEO in a range of sectors. An expert in SME business growth
A long term supporter of Produced in Kent who brings a wealth of commercial experience to the board
General Manager in retail with a wealth of experience in food and hospitality with a love for quality produce
Tilly has expertise in a wide range of mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations and business sales and purchases as well as shareholders and partnership agreements and joint venture arrangements.
Amanda brings her passion for all things Kentish and champions the county wherever she goes. Produced in Kent is fortunate to have had her support for many years since she championed Kent producers during her year as High Sheriff of Kent. A passionate supporter of the producers, the landscape and business success, she leads by example and is a tireless campaigner for Kent.
The Produced in Kent Ambassadors act as a liaison between the Produced in Kent Board of Directors, the Produced in Kent team, and the membership, as well as generate wider engagement of the members with the work of Produced in Kent. If you are interested in becoming a Produced in Kent ambassador, please contact us.
North Kent Zone: Swale District, Medway District, Gravesham District and Dartford District. Sally launched multi-award winning Simply Ice Cream in 2005 after running a catering company for 20 years. Since then the business has grown into an internationally renowned brand available in both independent and chain retailers across the country.
West Kent Zone: Maidstone District, Tonbridge/Malling District, Tunbridge Wells District and Sevenoaks District. Vikki is owner of That Little Marketing Co, offering marketing support to small & independent businesses in the food, drink & tourism sector, having worked in the industry for over 15 years.
South Kent Zone: Ashford District and Folkestone/Hythe District. Since it was established by Kristina in 2008, Romney Marsh Wools use fleeces which are hand selected from the family farm's flock of 1000 Romney ewes to produce a wide range of products from throws and scarves to hand cream and shampoo.
East Kent Zone: Dover District, Thanet District and Canterbury District. Laura is the owner of award winning brands Kent Crisps, Kentish Oils, Kentish Condiments and A Little Bit Food Co.
South Kent Zone: Ashford District and Folkestone/Hythe District. Tom is a third generation grower and wine maker at Kent's oldest vineyard.
East Kent Zone: Dover District, Thanet District and Canterbury District. Since founding the company in 2007 Jane's cheeses have won hundreds of local, regional and national awards.