NEWS
CHAPEL DOWN ANNOUNCES ITS LAUNCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
VOTING NOW OPEN FOR THE 2017 TASTE OF KENT AWARDS
Produced in Kent’ s prestigious Taste of Kent Awards 2017 are now in full swing. Public voting was officially opened in September at a launch reception at Allington Castle, Kent.
The reception, sponsored by Moor’ s Juice from Teynham near Sittingbourne, brought together previous winners, award sponsors and Kent foodies to celebrate the launch of the awards, now in their thirteenth year. Guests were given the opportunity to tour the castle, followed by canapés and a drinks reception.
Stephanie Durling of Produced in Kent welcomed guests to Allington Castle, which is owned by Sir Robert Worcester. During the evening talks were given by some of the winners from the 2016 awards, on how winning a Taste of Kent Award has helped to benefit and transform their businesses.
The Taste of Kent Awards, organised by Produced in Kent, aims to showcase Kent’ s finest food and drink products and provides the general public with a unique opportunity to have their say and vote for their favourite producers, retailers, restaurants, pub / bistro and farmers’ markets. To cast your vote, visit www. tasteofkentawards. co. uk before voting closes on 3rd January 2017 at midday.
This year for the first time, when you vote in the Taste of Kent Awards, you will be entered into a draw to win a pair of Eurostar Business Premier return tickets from one of Eurostar’ s Kent or London stations, to Paris, Brussels or Lille. The winners will enjoy a three-course meal, including wine and Champagne, created by Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE, as they relax in a first class seat.
In addition to the online voting at www. tasteofkentawards. co. uk, voters can pick up a voting form from their nearest farmers’ market or direct from Produced in Kent, tel. 01732 853170.
The awards presentation dinner will take place on Thursday 16th March 2017 at the Kent Event Centre at the Kent Showground, Detling. If anyone wishes to buy tickets for the awards dinner please contact Produced in Kent, as it is open to everyone.
England’ s leading winemaker, Chapel Down, recently announced an exciting new chapter of growth with its launch in the U. S. A. Partnering with luxury wine and spirit company, ABCK Corp, Chapel Down has shipments totalling 10,000 bottles planned between now and the end of the year.
Chapel Down CEO, Frazer Thompson, will host a launch party at the residence of New York British Consulate General, Antonia Romeo, on the 11th of October. Press and trade partners will be in attendance and will sample a number of Chapel Down sparkling wines, including its IWSC Gold medal winning Three Graces 2010.
Frazer and Mark Harvey, Chapel Down managing director, will then travel across key East and West Coast states during October to introduce more and more Americans to the growing congregation of Chapel Down fans. Mark comments:“ There is a genuine sense of excitement amongst sommeliers, great restaurants and bars and high quality retailers about the significant opportunity that lies ahead for English sparkling wines. We are looking forward to getting started!”
ABCK Corp has been selected as Chapel Down’ s long-term partner on the strength of its experience and success across the luxury wines and spirits sector. Led by Champagne and sparkling wine expert, Arnaud Brachet, the team is based in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas and has extensive experience in delivering strong awareness and growth for leading Champagne brands and luxury spirit companies.
The US becomes the latest in a list of international markets that Chapel Down exports to, with its award-winning wines already available in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Copenhagen and Helsinki. Chapel Down is at the forefront of new food and drinks exporters seeking to build their businesses abroad with the support of the UK government.
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