Voting leapt to over 10,000 votes. Consumers rushed to vote online at www.tasteofkentawards.co.uk to nominate the best food and drink companies and products in Kent, together with the most outstanding retailers, restaurants, pubs and farmers' markets. The public nominated over 680 food and drink businesses and products in the county. Seven of the 12 categories saw an increase of over 100% in the number of votes. Several companies and retailers reached the category short-lists for the third consecutive year including: Biddenden Vineyards, Chapel Down, Eddie Gilberts, Godmersham Game, The Fudgery and Hartley Dyke. Meanwhile, JC Rook and Sons, Moor Organic Juice and Whitstable Crab Company all reached the top three-shortlisted nominations for the first time. Other highlights of the voting saw Biddenden Vineyards achieve four overall nominations across three different award categories, whilst both The Fudgery and Simply Ice Cream picked up two separate nominations each. Produced in Kent, the inspiration behind the Taste of Kent Awards was thrilled with the response. Julie Monkman confirmed: "This is a truly outstanding result for the popularity of an award that is seen as the ultimate mark of food and drink excellence in the 'Garden of England'. "Despite the challenging economic times we are all facing, Kent has voted with its taste buds! With such a dramatic rise in votes, Kent's consumers have demonstrated that outstanding local food and drink quality is what really counts when they are shopping or dining out." The 12 winners will be revealed at a prestigious dinner and awards ceremony at the Fairfax Hall, at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone at the end of February.