KENTPRODUCERS
Kent Producers Special Feature:
REDISCOVERING
LOCAL PRODUCE
THE CURRENT CRISIS HAS THROWN A SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD. WE HAVE SEEN FIRST-HAND
THE PRECARIOUS NATURE OF THE SUPPLY CHAINS. THE TEAM AT PRODUCED IN KENT IS
PROUD OF THE AMAZING WAY OUR COUNTY’S FARMERS, GROWERS, MANUFACTURERS,
RETAILERS, DELIVERY SERVICES AND MORE HAVE PULLED TOGETHER TO KEEP LOCAL FOOD
MOVING AROUND KENT IN THE FACE OF SUCH UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND.
There has been no shortage of challenges; how to
keep staff protected, how to keep customers safe and
still get food delivered to them, especially those most
in need. We have seen online shops created in days,
click and collect services launched, drive through
shopping invented and so much more. Mostly these
are companies who do not have in-house IT
departments, logistics managers and HR teams: they
are small, often family businesses, and it has been
impressive to see the creative ways in which they
have risen to the challenge. Most customers have
appreciated these are not normal times.
You can count on Kent farmers, who are working
everyday milking, feeding animals, drilling crops,
picking, and packing, to bring food to the shop
shelves. We have been experiencing a spell of warm
weather, which means seasonal crops like asparagus
and strawberries have been with us since the end of
April. The eager anticipation of these crops is more
poignant than ever this year. The seasonal highlights
that Kent is famous for are proof that the world
keeps turning and crops keep growing. It’s the perfect
time to relish these jewels in the crown of our county.
Many people are discovering the joy of shopping
with their local shops and suppliers. There is a
reconnection with seasonality, and many are
rediscovering the joy of an ever-changing variety.
For those using supermarkets, don’t forget to look
for Kent on the label and choose to support local
wherever possible. We hope families will discover
new recipes that become firm favourites. Whether
they are the back of the store cupboard invention
tests or ‘what do we do with this?’ veg box adventures!
It’s great to see what everyone is up to, whether
you’ve baked your first loaf, or planted your first
veggie seedlings. We look forward to hearing about
them. Share your inventions and discoveries with
us on social media, use the hashtag #producedinkent.
Like us, many are missing their favourite coffee shop,
pub or restaurant. As a county we spend a lot of
time out socialising; we’re blessed with a great climate
and some of the best establishments in the UK. Some
pubs and restaurants have become a new local shop
or takeaway. For many this is the most difficult time
they have ever faced, and they really need your
support. If you can, please do order a takeaway from
their new pop-up or a click and collect meal from
their online store? Or perhaps you can support them
by buying a gift voucher for yourself or as a present
for family and friends to redeem later in the year?
Anything you can do to show your support will be
hugely appreciated.
When things return to a new normal, as they will
eventually do, let’s make a pledge to carry on buying
local produce. Supporting the village butcher, the
independent shops and cafes, your favourite
pubs and restaurants. We look forward to more
connected local communities, new friendships and
acquaintances catching up at the local shop, chatting
over a pint at the pub, knowing that spending your
money locally is keeping Kent in business. We’ll
drink to that!
PRODUCED IN KENT
The voice of the food and drink
industry in Kent
producedinkent.co.uk
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