NEWS
CHAPEL DOWN ANNOUNCES ITS LAUNCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
VOTING NOW OPEN FOR THE 2017 TASTE OF KENT AWARDS
Produced in Kent ’ s prestigious Taste of Kent Awards 2017 are now in full swing . Public voting was officially opened in September at a launch reception at Allington Castle , Kent .
The reception , sponsored by Moor ’ s Juice from Teynham near Sittingbourne , brought together previous winners , award sponsors and Kent foodies to celebrate the launch of the awards , now in their thirteenth year . Guests were given the opportunity to tour the castle , followed by canapés and a drinks reception .
Stephanie Durling of Produced in Kent welcomed guests to Allington Castle , which is owned by Sir Robert Worcester . During the evening talks were given by some of the winners from the 2016 awards , on how winning a Taste of Kent Award has helped to benefit and transform their businesses .
The Taste of Kent Awards , organised by Produced in Kent , aims to showcase Kent ’ s finest food and drink products and provides the general public with a unique opportunity to have their say and vote for their favourite producers , retailers , restaurants , pub / bistro and farmers ’ markets . To cast your vote , visit www . tasteofkentawards . co . uk before voting closes on 3rd January 2017 at midday .
This year for the first time , when you vote in the Taste of Kent Awards , you will be entered into a draw to win a pair of Eurostar Business Premier return tickets from one of Eurostar ’ s Kent or London stations , to Paris , Brussels or Lille . The winners will enjoy a three-course meal , including wine and Champagne , created by Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE , as they relax in a first class seat .
In addition to the online voting at www . tasteofkentawards . co . uk , voters can pick up a voting form from their nearest farmers ’ market or direct from Produced in Kent , tel . 01732 853170 .
The awards presentation dinner will take place on Thursday 16th March 2017 at the Kent Event Centre at the Kent Showground , Detling . If anyone wishes to buy tickets for the awards dinner please contact Produced in Kent , as it is open to everyone .
England ’ s leading winemaker , Chapel Down , recently announced an exciting new chapter of growth with its launch in the U . S . A . Partnering with luxury wine and spirit company , ABCK Corp , Chapel Down has shipments totalling 10,000 bottles planned between now and the end of the year .
Chapel Down CEO , Frazer Thompson , will host a launch party at the residence of New York British Consulate General , Antonia Romeo , on the 11th of October . Press and trade partners will be in attendance and will sample a number of Chapel Down sparkling wines , including its IWSC Gold medal winning Three Graces 2010 .
Frazer and Mark Harvey , Chapel Down managing director , will then travel across key East and West Coast states during October to introduce more and more Americans to the growing congregation of Chapel Down fans . Mark comments : “ There is a genuine sense of excitement amongst sommeliers , great restaurants and bars and high quality retailers about the significant opportunity that lies ahead for English sparkling wines . We are looking forward to getting started !”
ABCK Corp has been selected as Chapel Down ’ s long-term partner on the strength of its experience and success across the luxury wines and spirits sector . Led by Champagne and sparkling wine expert , Arnaud Brachet , the team is based in New York , Boston , Los Angeles , San Francisco and Las Vegas and has extensive experience in delivering strong awareness and growth for leading Champagne brands and luxury spirit companies .
The US becomes the latest in a list of international markets that Chapel Down exports to , with its award-winning wines already available in Hong Kong , Shanghai , Tokyo , Singapore , Copenhagen and Helsinki . Chapel Down is at the forefront of new food and drinks exporters seeking to build their businesses abroad with the support of the UK government .
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