Kent producers hope to land some tasty business on the other side of the Channel as the Garden of England goes continental.

Five Kent enterprises are showcasing their food at the Tavola 2012 trade fair in Kortrijk, Belgium, this week.

More than 18,000 people from across Europe are expected to attend the prestigious show held every two years and now in its 15th year.

Kent exhibitors include Fudge Kitchen, based in Canterbury; Blends for Friends, a speciality tea company from Shoreham; Karimix UK of Wye, a specialist in cooking sauces; preserves and jam-maker Wooden Spoon UK, also in Wye; and Birchington-based Quex Foods, which makes Kent crisps and cooking oils.

A further 20 Kent businesses are attending one day of the three-day show and hoping to secure deals with continental clients.

The producers have been given financial help from the European 2 Seas Trade scheme led by Kent County Council.

The project supports small businesses from Kent, East and West Flanders (Belgium) and the South West of the Netherlands, and will host workshops and market visits over the next two years.

It covers several sectors, including environmental technology, logistics, creative industries, sustainable construction and business services.