An organisation which promotes local food and drink producers says if every household in the county spent £10 a week on local goods, it would plough £315 million into the Kent economy.

Produced in Kent, which promotes its members, is calling on everyone to shop local in the run-up to the festive season as the industry comes to the end of what has been a hugely challenging year.

According to research from Retail Times, two-thirds (66%) of people are more likely to shop locally compared to a year ago.

Produced in Kent chief executive Floortje Hoette explains: "The way in which people are shopping is changing. Businesses that were previously customer-facing have had to begin trading online.

"People are wanting to support local businesses and order from their favourite local shops and being able to do this online is vital."

The organisation, which has relaunched its own website, says it has seen traffic rise by 15% since July and hopes it will help fuel online growth.

Adds the CEO: "We are so glad to see the website so busy, it just proves that the Kent community really cares about the provenance of their shopping, gift items and food and drink. The new website will be able to manage the higher numbers of visitors to the site and is much more user friendly and informative.

“There are 605,638 households in Kent. If every household spends £10 per week on Kent local produce and products, we add £315m to the Kent economy every year – which helps businesses stay afloat and keeps people in jobs. With a little effort, we can do a lot’.

It is currently holding a survey online to gauge the public's opinion of Produced in Kent - with a festive hamper up for grabs for one lucky respondent. Entries need to be submitted before December 16.

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