BUSINESS
inDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
TAKE A PEEK INTO THE LIVES OF THE PASSIONATE CREATORS GRACING OUR COUNTY ’ S THRIVING FOOD AND DRINK SCENE WITH THEIR DELICIOUS CREATIONS
CARRINGTON FOODS www . carringtonfoods . co . uk carringtonfoods
Lifelong and experienced foodie Dominic Winter expanded his work in the food and drink industry in 2007 , starting with a food stall selling fresh and vibrant vegetarian delights at local events . “ The inspiration for my business came from travelling and tasting amazing food from all over the world ,” he says . “ Upon my return home , I struggled to find the same flavours , tastes and passion in the products on the shop shelves . This led me to creating my own range of sauces to use on the food stall starting with Chillichup ; a mild chilli sauce infused with Moroccan inspired spices and chillies .” In 2014 , after his creations were positively received by many , Dominic pushed onwards and established Carrington Foods - solely dedicated to producing high-quality sauces , oils , rubs and marinades that are ‘ small batch but big on flavour ’. Be sure to watch this space as Carrington look to expand their scrumptious range and collaborate with other local retailers .
NINE OAKS VINEYARD www . nine-oaks . co . uk @ nineoaksvineyard
Dream team , Helen Matheson-Pollock and Martyn Pollock , brought Nine Oaks Vineyard in Hothfield to life in spring 2020 . However , their love of viticulture was established long before when they planted their very first grapevines in a postage stamp garden seven years prior . “ During our four years living in Kenya , we developed the idea for the business and moved home with our young children just before the pandemic to put down some roots ,” says Helen . “ Martyn is Scottish , but I was born in Ashford so the vineyard is home . We were fascinated by the English wine scene and wanted to get involved !” The vineyard now passionately produces a selection of gorgeous wines that are a true reflection of their determination and boutique surroundings . 2024 looks incredibly exciting for Helen and Martyn as they look forward to launching their long-awaited sparkling wine , host a small programme of open-air theatre events and introduce tours and tastings from June - keep an eye out as booking opens soon !
KAKAWA ARTISAN CHOCOLATE www . kakawaartisan . com kakawaartisan
Built upon a love of creation with a dream to succeed , Kakawa Artisan Chocolate was founded by self-proclaimed nature lover and foodie , John Jeffery . After 19 years in the food industry , John took a chance and began a new adventure with three flavours of sweet , irresistible chocolate . “ As the interest in my chocolate and my story continued to grow , so did the ideas and the range of products ,” says John . “ It was then that I realised , without a doubt , that I could in fact not only make my dreams come true , but surpass all expectations in the process .” Fast forwarding to now , Kakawa holds an impressive collection of over 200 handmade chocolate products , even supplying to prestigious high-street store Fenwick in Canterbury . Looking back upon his journey of not giving up , John offers valuable advice : “ I want to also show , particularly young entrepreneurs , that your dreams are worth chasing . You can start your very own business from your kitchen table , with nothing more than a pen and paper - and in my case , chocolate ! Believe in yourself , to believe in a better future .”
184 • www . insidekent . co . uk