Food and drink businesses in Kent are being offered the opportunity to expand their horizons with visits to Germany, France and Belgium to show off their wares.

Kent County Council received a grant under the GREAT UK Challenge Fund for a project which aims to increase exports among Kent food and drink companies.

At the same time it looks to promote Kent’s food and drink heritage to boost tourism.

Many of the county’s businesses have significant export potential but can face barriers when seeking to expand their work overseas.

It is hoped the project will enable up to 50 companies to identify potential business contacts in overseas markets.

The project will provide exhibition space for up to 12 Kent firms at Tavola 2016, a major international trade fair in Belgium.

Another 10 companies will be able to participate in pre-arranged meetings at the Anuga event in Germany, one of the largest food and drink sector business events in the world.

KCC’s Mark Dance said: “This is a great opportunity to make international contacts.”

To find out more, visit www.kentinternationalbusiness.co.uk or email international.affairs@kent.gov.uk