Newport-based Bar and Restaurant Foods has been presented with one of the most prestigious awards in a national catering competition.

Its triumph came in the BPEX Foodservice Pork Product of the Year competition 2012, which recognises and rewards quality pork products and dishes that can be found on menus in pubs, restaurants, schools and hotels.

The catering and food manufacturing supplier picked up a gold award for its BBQ Pork Loin Ribs, which was also selected by judges as one of the top three products in the Pork Ready Meal category.

The competition is held in high esteem by the food industry and drew in products from chefs, butchers, bakers and manufacturers across the six categories. The top 18 products, three from each category, were showcased at a special awards luncheon at Butchers Hall in London.

Nicola Mills, of Bar and Restaurant Foods, said: “This is a fantastic result. Getting a gold award and reaching the final in these awards is something we’re very proud of. The BBQ Pork Loin Ribs were developed for IKEA stores and featured on menus last summer. The meatier style ribs were a real success and cooked using the ‘sous vide’ method, result in tender and tasty meat.

“All of our pork is sourced from a select supply chain and we work with a well established, traditional butcher to ensure that we meet our customers’ strict food quality and ethical policies.”

BPEX foodservice trade manager Tony Goodger said: “We received a fantastic array of entries this year, demonstrating outstanding quality and innovation, which made judging very tough indeed. Gold awards are only given to products which satisfy the judge’s strict criteria, which make these accolades important to not only the product manufacturers but also the establishments serving them and the customers who dine there.

“Pork and pork products continues to be a real favourite with the nation when dining out, so to be selected as one of the best products in the catering industry is an incredible feat.”