Members delighted to meet buyers after change to organisational mission

Produced in Kent celebrated a resounding success with its first ‘Meet the Buyer’ event held on Monday, 15th July, at Macknade in Faversham. The event is part of a new enhanced membership package for Kent producers, growers and crafters. Members heard from industry wholesale buyers and got the opportunity to pitch their products, gain invaluable insights, and network with key players in the industry.

Chair of Produced in Kent, Susie Warran-Smith CBE said: “Our latest member event in a new format was incredibly well received and is really helping buyers and distributors who are already committed to local sourcing and reducing food miles to be connected to great Kent products.” 

The panel of buyers included Steve Clarke of Q Catering, Laura Bounds MBE of Curd & Cure, and Steve Oram of Kent Veg Box. The quality face to face interactions highlighted the potential for new business opportunities.

At the heart of Produced in Kent’s mission is to promote and celebrate the quality and diversity of produce from Kent. Susie adds “I think it is disgraceful when I go to a restaurant, pub or venue and they are dishing out French champagne instead of beautiful sparkling wine from Kent, or a cheese from another country when we have the best cheese in the world now. Consumers are keen to support local so I want to see the industry respond. I think as an organisation we should start naming and shaming the worst offenders. My first, would be the House of Commons, the seat of British democracy. The latest event I went to there, was serving French champagne, which is more expensive than the better-quality British stuff. Shame on them. Grrrr!”

Enhanced Membership Benefits
Produced in Kent has introduced a new and improved membership package designed to cater to the evolving needs of Kent-based businesses, which includes exclusive access to retail buyers, distributors, taste and branding experts. The enhanced benefits are categorised into three key areas of support; Learn More – through specialist workshops and training, Grow More – through networking opportunities, and Sell More – through access to buyers and distribution channels.

Rachel Pynenburg, Founder of Miam Jars said at the event: “It’s been really valuable to hear from the wholesalers today, what they are looking for in terms of products and what drives them. Having the opportunity to see them face-to-face has enabled a greater connection and a relationship we look to take forwards. This event has also been fantastic for networking opportunities. Being a member of Produced in Kent, I’m always delighted to attend these types of events, they are invaluable to our business.”

Also in attendance was member Kristina Boulden of Romney Marsh Wools, she said: “Produced in Kent are getting to the core of the members needs with events like this. We got the opportunity to hear from a wholesaler’s perspective, what they need from a supplier and how we can adjust our model to make it work. There are so many opportunities in Kent to reach local people through retail, hospitality, and wholesale, but it’s not always easy finding the right channels, Produced in Kent is providing us with those crucial connections.”

Why join Produced in Kent?

• NEW for 2024 – Access to buyers and experts
• Access to promotion through the Produced in Kent website, social media and PR
• Access to regional markets and distribution channels
• Access to specialist workshops and training
• Access to networking opportunities
• Access to marketing and branding support
• Access to business advice and mentoring
• Access to industry news and offers

The next ‘Meet The Expert’ event will be held on 18th September, a panel of tasting experts will provide invaluable feedback on members products such as visual appeal, aroma, mouth feel and of course flavour. This event is open to Produced in Kent members only, designed for producers looking to take a new food or drink product to the consumer market or for anyone looking for feedback and development on an existing product or range.

For more information about Produced in Kent please visit the website. For membership enquiries please contact Jill Sargent via jill@producedinkent.co.uk