Foster Refrigerator, based in Lynn since it was founded in 1968, won the refrigeration category of the 2006 Catering Update Excellence in Equipment and Supplies Awards with one of its high specification refrigerators designed for the food service industry.

Europe's leading commercial refrigeration manufacturer, the company won the award with its Gastro Pro refrigerator, which was praised by judges for its outstanding energy efficiency and environmentally-friendly features.

Foster Refrigerator food service director John Savage and engineering manager Mr Chris Playford represented the company to accept the award at London's Dorchester Hotel earlier this month.

Mr Savage said while winning the award was fantastic, more important were the reasons why the company had won.

"Foster has been at the forefront of energy-efficient, green refrigeration design for a long time. We are constantly working to innovate and improve the already high standards that apply to all our units to offer catering professionals the best in cost-effective, environmentally responsible refrigeration.

"To have this commitment recognised in highly-regarded industry awards is extremely satisfying," he said.

The award comes after a strong sales performance in recent months, both in the UK and worldwide, with increasing sales of its eco-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerators to leading companies such as Tesco and Starbucks, as well as schools and hospitals.