The shortlist for this year's Taste of Kent Awards has been revealed.

Organised by local food and drink champion, Produced in Kent, the public were invited to nominate their favourites in each of the categories.

More than 41,000 votes were received - up more than 200% on the previous year.

Now the top three finalists in each category will be subject to the judging panel before the winners are announced during a virtual award ceremony on Tuesday, May 11.

Floortje Hoette, chief executive of Produced in Kent, said: "The sheer number of votes received this year is astounding. We're blown away by the support from Kent residents to champion and celebrate their favourite local businesses.

"The numbers are unlike any we have seen before. 41,000 votes were counted this year compared to 13,000 last year.

"After the year everyone has lived through, this years' TOKA will be a celebration like no other."

The finalists are:

Kent Community Award Heroes

Emma from Emma's Kitchen, East Peckham

Paul & Rani Babra from Karara, Faversham/Canterbury

Ben from Modern Provider, Margate

Eli and Heather from Olbys Soul Café, Margate

Diversification Award (sponsored by NFU Mutual - Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield)

Foodari Home Delivery

The Meatball Company

Wildbox

Food and Drink Business of the Year (sponsored by Southeastern)

Café Nucleus

Gusbourne

Kent Crisps

Grower of the Year (sponsored by NFU Mutual)

Eckley Farms

Paley Farm

Walmestone Growers

Sustainable Food and Drink Business of the Year (sponsored by Southeastern)

The Curious Eatery

Goupie

Provenance Potatoes

Kent Ambient Product of the Year (sponsored by Southern Co-op)

Brisket and Barrel - Ketchup Smoké

Carringtons - Chillichup

Jam Face Jams - Chipotle and Habanero chilli jam

Kent Bakery and Confectionery Product of the Year (sponsored by Southern Co-op)

Beardy Baker - Chocolate Brownies

Dockers Bakery & Brewery - Sourdough Loaf

The Independent Baker - Classic Raspberry Jam Doughnuts

Kent Beer of the Year (sponsored by NFU Mutual)

Cellar Head Brewing Co - Session Pale Ale

Romney Marsh Brewery - Amber Ale

Wantsum Brewery - Hurricane

Kent Cider or Perry of the Year (sponsored by Southern Co-op)

Canterbury Cider Limited - Basher Original

Curious Brew - Curious Brew Apple

Dudda's Tun Cider - DISCO

Kent Dairy Product of the Year (sponsored by Southern Co-op)

Ben and Holly's Little Dairy - Whole Milk

Kingcott Dairy - Kentish Blue Cheese

Street Farm Dairy - Free Range Double Cream

Kent Distillery of the Year (sponsored by NFU Mutual)

Anno Distillers - Anno Kent Dry Gin

Copper Rivet Distillery - Dockyard Gin

Maidstone Distillery - George Bishop London Dry Gin

Kent Hospitality Business of the Year (sponsored by Southeastern)

The Ambrette, Canterbury

The Butchers Block, Burham

Cafe Nucleus, Rochester

Kent Non-Alcoholic Drink Product of the Year (sponsored by Southeastern)

Bean Smitten - Revive Blend

Garage Roasted - Maypole Blend Coffee

Lost Sheep Coffee - Get to the Hopper blend

Kent Prepared Food Product of the Year (sponsored by Southern Co-op)

Moons Green Charcuterie - Original Beer Sticks

Tankerton Smokeshed - Scottish Smoked Salmon

Worgans Farm Shop - Pork Pie

Kent Retail Business of the Year (sponsored by Southeastern)

Foodari Home Delivery

Quex Barn

Watts Farms

Kent Wine of the Year (sponsored by NFU Mutual)

Chapel Down - Bacchus

Herbert Hall Winery - Herbert Hall Brut Sparkling Wine

The Mount Vineyard - The Mount Vineyard Sparkling Rose 2015

Kent Food Product of the Year

The finalists and winner in this category will be announced at the virtual award ceremony on May 11.

The public can attend the virtual awards by registering for free tickets here.

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