Launceston-based Kensey Foods, which makes chilled desserts and quiches for Tesco and Cadbury, has been named Bakery Food Manufacturer of the Year in the baking industry's equivalent of the Oscars.
The company scooped the top award after beating off stiff competition from bakers throughout the UK in the annual Baking Industry Awards 2009.
The bakery's achievements in excellence were recognised in front of almost 800 industry guests at a gala awards ceremony at London's Park Lane Hilton recently, as Managing Director Des Kingsley was presented with the award by comedian Ronnie Corbett and Melanie Somerville, Marketing Manager at award sponsor ADM Milling.
Judges from ADM Milling and other independent panellists said the company had an "exceptional year" and were particularly impressed by the company's level of quality and innovation as it launched 20 new products, including the innovative Cadbury Hot Eating puddings.
Despite having 800 employees and a turnover of £63 million, the company was found to have still maintained its ethos of quality and craftsmanship, while ingredients were sourced locally wherever possible.
Des said: "We've invested heavily in our premises and our people – and that's reflected in our products."
The annual Baking Industry Awards are the premier event in the UK bakery calendar and have been recognising industry excellence for 22 years.
Run by British Baker magazine, prizes are awarded across 12 categories including Bakery Supplier of the Year, The Innovation Award and Trainee Baker of the Year.