29th September 2025
Putting Kent Produce on the Map – at Ashford International
On Friday 26 September, Produced in Kent joined a powerful coalition of business leaders, politicians and campaigners at Ashford International Station to call for the return of international rail services to Kent.
Since Eurostar services stopped in 2020, Kent has been left without a direct rail link to Europe – a blow to local businesses, the visitor economy, and the county’s ambitions for sustainable, international trade and tourism.
Produced in Kent made sure the food and drink sector had a strong presence at the event. We curated a display of local produce from over 20 Kent businesses, including wine from Gusbourne and Biddenden Vineyards, cheese, crisps, fresh fruit and more. Lily’s Social Kitchen CIC kept attendees fuelled with excellent coffee and pastries.
Attendees were invited to take a local apple for the train journey and sample some of the incredible food made right here in Kent. The display was a reminder that this sector matters – not only for its quality, but for its impact.
“We were proud to showcase the incredible range of food and drink Kent has to offer, and to make sure our sector was represented loud and clear. Our producers are at the heart of Kent’s visitor economy – a sector worth £3.7 billion and supporting over 76,000 jobs. We pulled together a display that celebrated that – from sparkling wine to Kentish apples, cheese to crisps – and made sure the message was delivered alongside the pastries. If we’re serious about growth, jobs and sustainable travel, we need international rail services back in Kent – and our businesses need them now.”
Susie Warran-Smith, Chair, Produced in Kent
Huge thanks to Gusbourne and Biddenden for representing the Wine Garden of England group, to Lily’s Social Kitchen CIC for the catering, and to all the producers whose goods were featured in our display. Your work is the best argument we can make.
This is part of our ongoing work to champion Kent’s food, drink and hospitality businesses at every level – from farm gate to Westminster. Want to learn more about what we do and how you can get involved? Visit our membership page: www.producedinkent.co.uk/membership
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Biddenden Vineyards
The vineyard has remained family owned and is today run by the second & third generation, drawing on many years of experience in winemaking at Biddenden.
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Lily's Social Kitchen, Canterbury
We launched Lily’s Kitchen because we wanted to find a way of creating opportunities for people from all walks of life to access work and training.
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Shepherd Neame Ltd
The fifth-generation independent family business produces Kentish ales of such renown that they are afforded Protected Geographical Indication from the EU.
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Curd and Cure
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Kent Crisps
Kent Crisps is one of the few British snack brands which remains independently owned & run and it is our mission to champion all that our county has to offer when it comes to food, drink & tourism.
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Kentish Oils & Condiments
Our oils are extremely versatile and may be used for frying, roasting, drizzling and even baking.
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