Lauren Edwards MP showcases Kent and Medway food and drink producers in Westminster

The event allowed guests to celebrate, sample and discuss the exceptional food and drink from the local area.

Attendees included:

• Jaggers Gin (Gin)
• Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils (Crisps, Oils & Condiments)
• Wooden Spoon Preserving Company (Preserves)
• Fudge Kitchen (Fudge)
• Cheesemakers of Canterbury (Cheese)
• Wine Garden of England (Kentish Wine)
• Copper Rivet Distillery (Spirits)

The event highlighted just some of the innovation, tradition, and excellence of Kent and Medway’s food and drinks producers – from artisanal producers, expanding businesses and award-winning drink makers.

This event provided a strong national platform for local producers to forge new commercial relationships, point out the strength of Kent and Medway as a place to do business and demonstrate the region’s role in the UK food economy.

During the event, Lauren Edwards MP highlighted the growing importance of investing in the food and drink sector for economic growth, food security, jobs, and rural sustainability. She reaffirmed her strong commitment to supporting local enterprises, expanding trade opportunities, and ensuring that food remain central to Britain’s future economy.

Lauren Edwards MP said: “Rochester and Strood - and wider Medway and Kent - is home to some of the UK’s most innovative and high-quality food and drink producers. I’m so proud to bring their work to Parliament. Not only to showcase their incredible products, but also the vital contribution they make to our local economy, employment, and community identity. Supporting local means investing in our future.”

Jill Sargent, Head of Business Development at Produced in Kent, added: “Produced in Kent is delighted to attend the Taste of Kent and Medway event at the Houses of Parliament. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of Kent’s outstanding food and drink producers, and to highlight the vital role our sector plays in the county’s economy, culture, and identity. Our members pour their passion and energy into creating exceptional food and drink, and we are only too pleased to help them share it with a wider audience.”