Susie
FOOD + DRINK
CELEBRATING OUR FEMALE FOOD HEROES
With Easter just around the corner and signs of spring popping up all over the place , it won ’ t be long before we ’ re awash with new spring menus from our restaurants full of wild garlic and asparagus dishes . Honestly , I can ’ t wait .
The team has been busy creating an amazing lineup of events to help our businesses thrive . So far we ’ ve had sessions on everything from finance to AI , a tourism-themed meet-thebuyer event and even a beer master class with Jane Peyton . There ’ s loads more to come , too .
As we approach International Women ’ s Day ( Saturday 8 March ), it ’ s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible women behind some of Kent ’ s most exciting and award-winning food and drink businesses . These talented entrepreneurs and artisans are shaping the industry with passion , innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality . It ’ s hard to pick out just a couple , but these two producers are worthy of a special mention .
Jane Bowyer of the Cheesemakers of Canterbury has spent years perfecting the art of cheesemaking . She produces a range of exceptional unpasteurised and pasteurised cheeses . It ’ s rare for a cheesemaker to have the skill to make both soft and hard cheeses , but Jane does just that , including the award-winning Ashmore Farmhouse and Kelly ’ s Canterbury Goat . If you visit her and her dedicated team , you will see that they still use and champion traditional methods of cheesemaking , ensuring every wheel is crafted to perfection .
It ’ s great to see foodie passion carry on to the next generation and even better when it involves chocolate ! Grace and Janet Simpson are a mother-and-daughter duo and the creative minds behind Goupie . Goupie products combine the nostalgia of homemade tray bakes with the sophistication of Belgian chocolate , creating an indulgence that gives you a natural high and makes you feel more than worthy of such delights .
These incredible women , amongst many others , are proving that Kent ’ s food and drink scene continues to thrive . They are passing on traditions , knowledge and skills that are still important to our local communities . This International Women ’ s Day , I will be celebrating our Kentish female-led businesses who contribute so much to our county through their hard work , creativity and dedication . Thanks to all of them .
Susie
SUSIE WARREN-SMITH CBE CHAIR PRODUCED IN KENT producedinkent . co . uk producedinkent
www . insidekent . co . uk • 73