PET food manufacturer Forthglade, based in Winkleigh, has been honoured with an international industry award – 2016 Dog Product of the Year.

The prestigious awards run by leading pet industry magazine Pet Product Marketing recognised the Devon firm for the success of its grain free natural pet foods.

The PPM awards celebrate leading international pet brands and most successful new products sold in pet shops throughout the UK. Forthglade introduced its grain-free range just over a year ago, and it has rapidly become a best seller.

Gerard Lovell, joint MD at Forthglade said: ‘This award means a great deal as it’s voted for by actual pet product retailers. Competition is stiff as the awards include the biggest brands in the pet industry. We look forward to sharing the award with our Devon team, who’ve all been incredible throughout such a busy year of growth. 2016 is set to be an exciting time for Forthglade and winning this award is a great start to the year.’

Forthglade was also recognized as the runner-up for the magazine’s Business Achievement of the Year award, highlighting a £6-million investment from Piper, a leading investor in consumer brands, the firm’s ongoing product innovation, and the recent fundraising partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Sally Pepper, editor of Pet Product Marketing said: ‘We shortlisted Forthglade’s Natural Lifestage Grain Free food because the company is showing exceptional growth and the brand’s natural values are in line with the products customers are asking for in pet shops. Pet retailers like the fact that the foods have high meat content and are grain free. When our readers voted on the shortlist, Forthglade was the clear winner, beating off some very stiff competition.’