Voting is now open to toast the top food and drink producers in the county.

The Taste of Kent Awards 2022 will allow the public to vote from now until February 28 - with the winners crowned in a glitzy awards ceremony at the Kent Event Centre in Detling on May 12.

The event is organised by local food and drink champions Produced in Kent.

Now in its 17th year, the awards is an event dedicated to showcasing the best products Kent has to offer and the businesses behind them.

Open to any food and drink business located in Kent, it is the longest running food and drink awards in the South East.

Chief executive of Produced in Kent, Floortje Hoette, said: “We urge everyone to nominate and vote for their favourite Kent food and drink businesses in as many categories as they like.

"In 2021, votes increased by 400% compared to the previous year, and it would be wonderful if we could beat that again with the 2022 awards.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to show appreciation to our very hardworking food and drink producers, retailers, restaurants, pubs, cafés and bistros in the county. It has been a tough year, particularly for those in hospitality, but the resilience and innovation shown by these businesses has demonstrated what an innovative food and drink sector we have here in Kent.”

To vote, visit the Taste of Kent Awards website, click on the category you want to vote in and cast your vote. If your favourite venue or product isn't listed, you can add it and vote for it.

In addition to the regular categories will be three new awards - New Kent Food & Drink Product, Kent Start Up Food and Drink Business and Kent Farmer of the Year.