A PEMBROKESHIRE food and drink company has taken a top prize at this year’s Made in Wales awards.

Puffin Produce fought off tough competition at the awards ceremony at City Hall, Cardiff on Thursday, October 4 to win Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year 2018, ahead of well-known bottled water company Radnor Hills and Monty’s Brewery.

“We were thrilled to be able to pick up the Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year award, with the judges particularly impressed with our vast increase in capacity and production capabilities over the last 18 months, as well as our high level of capital investment and ongoing plans for expansion,” said Marketing Manager at Puffin Produce, Megan Tye.

“It’s an exciting time for Puffin, and we look forward to continuing to grow both our fresh produce and our company over the coming years!”

Hosted by well-known TV and BBC Radio presenter Jason Mohammed, the awards are a celebration of some of the very best businesses within the Welsh manufacturing sector.

Overall, 11 awards were up for grabs on the evening including the Digital Engineering/Technology Award, Manufacturing Apprentice/Training Scheme Award and Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer of the Year.

Alongside Puffin Produce, award-winners this year included a roof-rack maker and an organic pesticides specialist.

Recent capital investment has seen Puffin Produce increase storage capacity at its Withybush headquarters in Haverfordwest, with ongoing expansion of its potato packing facility also underway.

By the end of its expansion the company aims to have the most advanced fresh produce packing facility in the UK.