MBE FOR KENT CRISPS OWNER
Laura Bounds , owner of Kent Crisps , has been awarded an MBE for services to international trade in the Queen ’ s New Year ’ s Honours List .
The MBE , awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community , serving as an example to others , was in recognition of Laura ’ s work done through Kent Crisps to raise awareness of Kent and the UK on a world stage .
Kent born and raised , 34 year old Laura ’ s passion lies in championing the very best that her home county has to offer . Kent Crisps ’ flavours are made using real Kent produce such as Ashmore Cheese and Biddenden Cider , and the eyecatching pack artwork features some of the country ’ s most iconic landscapes and landmarks including Leeds Castle , Canterbury Cathedral and the Turner Contemporary .
“ To have been awarded an MBE is an absolute privilege , especially when it relates to the work done for a county that I am so proud to be a part of . Kent Crisps is made up of a small but extremely passionate team , without whom I would not have had this opportunity . I hope that this proves to others that we all can make a difference , and that with hard work and determination , anything is possible .” said Laura .
Laura owns multiple Kent businesses alongside Kent Crisps , including brands Kentish Oils and A Little Bit Food Co , and is also an Export Champion for the Department of International Trade , Kent Ambassador , Produced in Kent Ambassador and a mentor for the Kent Business School at the University of Kent .
SELLOUT MASTHOUSE SINGLE MALT WHISKY SET FOR FEBRUARY RETURN
TASTE OF KENT AWARDS 2021 VOTING OPEN
Public voting for the Taste of Kent Awards 2021 , Produced in Kent ’ s flagship event which celebrates the best in food and drink that Kent has to offer , is now open .
You can now go online at www . tasteofkentawards . co . uk to nominate and vote for the local food and drink heroes and products you would like to see recognised , with voting closing at midnight 28 February 2021 .
The voting process has never been easier : simply click on the category that you would like to vote in and cast your vote . If you cannot see the name of the business you would like to support , simply add them in and vote . The sooner you add them to the list , the more people will see them as well , so voting early is important . This is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to the very hardworking food and drink producers , retailers , restaurants , pubs , cafes and bistros in the county .
Ahead of the awards ceremony in May , Produced in Kent is organising a judging event with Macknade at their Elwick Place outlet in Ashford on Tuesday the 23rd of March 2021 . In line with social distancing regulations in place at that time , a judging panel made up of food experts and sponsors will choose the winners from the 3 finalists in each awards category .
The winners will be announced at the Taste of Kent Awards Gala Dinner , which , situation permitting , will take place across different locations across Kent in the late spring / early summer .
With Masthouse Single Estate Single Malt Whisky selling out of its inaugural batch of 2,124 bottles within a month of its November launch , fans will be pleased to know that a second batch of the 2017 Vintage was released from its casks in December and will ship at the beginning of February 2021 .
The single malt , which is pot distilled , is the first of Copper Rivet Distillery ’ s three core whisky expressions distilled in Chatham . It will be followed by Masthouse Column Still ‘ Malt ’, to be released in late Spring 2021 and Masthouse Column Still ‘ Grain ’, to be released in Autumn 2021 . Late 2021 will also see the launch of Masthouse Single Estate Single Malt Whisky of the 2018 Vintage from the 2017 harvest .
Co-founder of Copper Rivet , Stephen Russell comments : “ About 70 % of the pot distilled Masthouse Single Malt Whisky was purchased direct from the distillery ’ s website . It is a massive demonstration of confidence in our un-sampled whisky . The feedback from those who have now tried their bottle and from our Facebook Live virtual tastings and Q & As is incredible – people seem to enjoy its fruity , floral accessibility , special character and layers of complexity .”
Masthouse Single Estate Single Malt Whisky , 2017 V intage ( 45 % ABV ), shipping in February 2021 , can be ordered at www . copperrivetdistillery . com
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